Canada has formally added the Bishnoi Gang to its list of terrorist organisations under the country’s Criminal Code, Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree announced on Monday.

Posting on X, Anandasangaree said, "Today, our government listed the Bishnoi Gang as a terrorist entity. Violence, terror, and the intimidation of communities will never be tolerated in Canada."

According to a press release from Public Safety Canada, the group meets the legal definition of a terrorist entity because its actions "target specific communities to create a climate of fear and intimidation."

The Bishnoi Gang, led by Lawrence Bishnoi, has been linked to major crimes, including extortion, smuggling, and murder, both in India and abroad.

With this designation, Canadian authorities now have wider powers to prosecute members and supporters of the group. The law allows the freezing or seizure of property, vehicles, and financial assets, and enables charges related to terrorist financing, recruitment, and travel.

Under the new rules, it is a criminal offence for anyone in Canada, or Canadians overseas, to knowingly handle assets connected to the Bishnoi Gang. Offering any form of support to the organisation is also prohibited.

The designation will also help immigration and border authorities assess whether individuals associated with the gang should be permitted to enter Canada.

"Violence and terrorist acts have no room in Canada, particularly ones that are directed against particular communities in order to instil a climate of fear and intimidation," the press release stated.

Peel Regional Police welcomed the move, saying it would strengthen their ability to act against crimes linked to the gang. The force noted that the Bishnoi group has been involved in offences like extortion, intimidation, and murder.

"This designation will assist in giving police services greater powers to take property, freeze assets and prevent future or ongoing financing of criminal activity related to the Bishnoi Gang," the force said.

Police also stressed the importance of this step for the South Asian community in Canada. "Our Indian community is one of the largest diasporas in Canada. This significant measure will assist Peel Regional Police and other services across the country in supporting and aiding those in our community who might be being targeted by this terrorist organisation."

The Bishnoi network is considered one of the most influential organised crime groups in North India, with operations in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi. Lawrence Bishnoi, currently in prison, is believed to continue directing the gang from behind bars.

One of the most high-profile crimes linked to the gang was the killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala in May 2022, which police attributed to a gang rivalry involving Bishnoi and his associate Goldy Brar.

The group has also issued repeated threats to public figures. Actor Salman Khan has lived under police protection for years following death threats, especially after the blackbuck poaching case, and the gang has targeted individuals connected to him.

In August this year, a café in Punjab owned by comedian Kapil Sharma was attacked, with the Bishnoi gang later claiming responsibility. The group said it carried out the assault because of Sharma’s close ties with Khan. In a leaked voice note, another member, Harry Boxer, also issued warnings to others in the industry, telling them not to collaborate with the actor.