Lawyers representing Canada’s Minister of Public Safety are set to appear in Federal Court on Friday to seek the continued detention of an alleged member of the Bishnoi gang, facing a murder charge in India, as he contests deportation efforts. FBI reports obtained by CBC News reveal that gang leader Lawrence Bishnoi assigned Karamveer Singh the task of looking after his brother in California before Singh fled to Canada in 2025. Singh, who had absconded from India in 2019 amid a murder trial, is documented in photographs alongside Anmol Bishnoi and Lakhvinder “Lakha” Kumar, another senior gang member, in 2024.
Anmol Bishnoi and Kumar have since been deported to India to face various criminal charges related to extortion and violence. Singh, currently in Canadian immigration custody, is suspected of orchestrating a shooting and arson incident at the home of Punjabi singer AP Dhillon in 2024. The government argues that Singh’s association with the Bishnoi group, labeled as a terrorist entity, and his criminal history necessitate stringent release conditions to safeguard the public.
The Minister of Public Safety aims to overturn an Immigration and Refugee Board decision that would have allowed Singh’s release under electronic monitoring and house arrest. This move aligns with the recent launch of Operation Hard Ball, a collaborative investigation targeting transnational crime syndicates associated with the Bishnoi gang. Lawrence Bishnoi and his cohorts face serious charges in the U.S., including extortion and drug trafficking.
Singh’s defense team is challenging the government’s stance, emphasizing the strict release conditions imposed. Singh maintains his innocence, attributing his predicament to false implications and expressing regret over his association with criminal elements. Surveillance reports and evidence cited in court filings underscore Singh’s ties to the Bishnoi gang and his involvement in criminal activities, including the attack at Dhillon’s residence.
The legal battle unveils intricate connections between Singh, the Bishnoi gang, and ongoing criminal enterprises, shedding light on the complexities of transnational crime networks. The Minister of Public Safety’s efforts to prevent Singh’s release underscore the gravity of the situation and the underlying risks associated with his alleged ties to organized crime.
