The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on Monday made startling claims that “agents of the Government of India” have been using criminal groups, specifically naming the Bishnoi gang, to target the South Asian community in Canada—particularly pro-Khalistani activists.
RCMP officials, Commissioner Mike Duheme and Deputy Commissioner Brigitte Gauvin, further alleged that certain Indian diplomatic staff have worked with organized crime elements to gather information on Canadian citizens. This intelligence, they claim, has been used by criminal organizations to carry out violent actions ranging from extortion to murder.
India has dismissed these allegations as “preposterous imputations,” with the Ministry of External Affairs rejecting the accusations made by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. New Delhi emphasized that despite numerous requests, Canada has failed to provide any evidence supporting these claims.
In addition to rejecting the accusations, India has criticized the expulsion of its High Commissioner, Sanjay Kumar Verma, and five other Indian diplomats, whom Canada labeled as “persons of interest” in the ongoing investigation. The allegations stem from a deepening diplomatic crisis that began with Ottawa’s claims last year of Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen.
Prime Minister Trudeau, during a press conference, doubled down on his government’s accusations, reinforcing the charges made by the RCMP. He stated that India had made a “fundamental error” in allegedly supporting criminal activities against Canadians.
These new allegations come at a time when Trudeau’s support is waning, as he narrowly survived a second parliamentary confidence vote ahead of the upcoming 2025 election
