NEW DELHI: Mocking Ottawa's decision to designate it a terror group, Lawrence Bishnoi gang has claimed responsibility for Monday's killing of 68-year-old Indian-origin millionaire Canadian businessman Darshan Singh Sahsi. The group said the target refused to pay "protection money", reports Rajshekhar Jha.
The group has also claimed responsibility for firing at Punjabi singer Channi Nattan's residence in Canada while warning the music industry against working with singer Saradar Khera. It released videos of both shootings.
Coming after Canadian authorities designated it a terrorist outfit, the twin incidents signal Bishnoi gang's defiance while underlining both its reach and capability to strike at will in the country.
Brief lockdown in Canada locality after PIO killing
Sahsi was shot dead in his car outside his home in Abbotsford, British Columbia, on Monday morning. He hailed from Ludhiana and was president of Canam International, a leading clothing recycling firm.
Goldy Dhillon of the Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility for the murder through a social media post which alleged that Sahsi was involved in a drug-trafficking operation and had been asked for money by the gang, which he refused to pay and even blocked their number.
The sensational killing had prompted brief lockdowns of schools in the neighbourhood as the Abbotsford police patrol officers responded to the shooting.
In the second incident, the Bishnoi group stated that the attack was carried out because Channi Nattan was reportedly "developing close ties" with fellow singer Saradar Khera. Making the claim, Goldy Dhillon also released a video of the firing. "Sat Sri Akal! I am Goldy Dhillon (Lawrence Bishnoi Gang). Reason for the firing at singer Channi Nattan's house yesterday is Saradar Khera."
The gang issued a warning to the music industry: "Any singer who works with or maintains a relationship with Saradar Khera will be solely responsible for their own loss. This is because we will continue to inflict significant damage upon Khera."
Canada designating it a 'terrorist entity' was largely seen as a blow to the Bishnoi gang. The move, seen as having been prompted by pressure from the pro-Khalistani groups who have blamed Bishnoi for the assassination of Hardip Singh Nijjar, a terrorist wanted in India, was supposed to enable law enforcement agencies to use significant investigative tools and access the resources needed to disrupt operations of the gang.
The terrorist designation also unlocks critical powers, allowing Canadian police to prosecute offences pertaining to financing, travel and recruitment. A terrorist listing means anything owned by that group in Canada - property, vehicles or money - can be frozen or seized.
Select The Times of India as your preferred source on Google Search
Raj Shekhar Jha is a journalist for the Times of India with over ...
Read MoreRaj Shekhar Jha is a journalist for the Times of India with over a decade of experience in reporting on national security, terrorism, crime and prisons.
Read Less