Toronto, Oct 29: Canadian authorities are probing the Lawrence Bishnoi gang’s role in two consecutive violent incidents — the fatal shooting of industrialist Darshan Singh Sahsi and a gunfire attack at Punjabi singer Channi Nattan’s home.
According to officials, the Bishnoi gang has publicly taken responsibility for both events. In a Facebook post, gang member Goldie Dhillon claimed Sahsi was killed after he declined to pay extortion money allegedly demanded by the group. “We warned him before, but he didn’t listen,” Dhillon wrote in the post, which also mentioned the firing at Nattan’s residence.
Police said security has been increased for potential targets in the Indo-Canadian community following the claims. “There’s a clear transnational angle we’re investigating,” an officer said, noting that the gang’s operations span both India and Canada.
The Bishnoi network, operating under the leadership of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, is known for its involvement in organized crimes ranging from contract killings and drug trafficking to armed violence. Despite being imprisoned in India since 2014, Bishnoi is believed to be running his operations remotely through trusted aides.
The gang gained infamy after the 2022 assassination of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, a killing that drew international attention. Canadian authorities have since designated it a terrorist entity due to its growing footprint in North America’s Punjabi diaspora hubs.
While Dhillon’s post alleged that Sahsi was involved in drug trafficking, police have not confirmed that claim. Investigators continue to coordinate with Indian counterparts as they piece together the motive and cross-border links.
