The Lawrence Bishnoi gang, labeled a terrorist group by the Canadian government in September, is apparently trying to reinvent itself within Canada’s South Asian community as a band of principled criminals who only target wrongdoers while sparing law-abiding citizens.
Utilizing social media, the gang has a history of asserting or disavowing involvement in shootings, issuing threats, and making various declarations, often sharing videos showcasing their violent activities. However, there seems to be a recent push by the gang to enhance its public perception.
This rebranding initiative coincides with a surge in extortion-related incidents affecting South Asian communities, especially in British Columbia and Ontario. Early on a Thursday, Kapil Sharma’s café in Surrey, B.C., a prominent Indian comedian’s establishment, was subjected to a third attack where gunmen fired shots through the windows while staff were present but fortunately unharmed.
The Surrey Police reported a concerning pattern of 64 extortion demands and 35 extortion-related shootings in the city this year, including an incident where a woman in her twenties was shot while asleep in her bed, although she was not the intended target and survived.
The Bishnoi gang has distanced itself from attacks on innocent individuals, suggesting that some incidents carried out under their name are perpetrated by non-members exploiting the gang’s reputation. They have indicated a focus on addressing employers mistreating female employees and exploiting foreign workers and international students.
In a recent development, a gang member known as Fateh Portugal claimed responsibility for three shootings targeting properties owned by the Dhesi family in Surrey, including a trucking business and a radio station. Videos of the shootings were shared online, depicting a hooded individual firing shots at various locations.
The Dhesi family denied the allegations made by the Bishnoi gang, refuting claims of extortion. Meanwhile, Jinny Sims, a former BC MLA associated with the targeted radio station, expressed concerns about the shootings and social media assertions, highlighting a potential attempt to shift blame onto the victims.
Following the shootings targeting the Dhesi family, two Surrey restaurants owned by a South Asian businessman were also fired upon within a day. The Bishnoi associate Goldy Dhillon, who claimed responsibility for the café shooting, justified the attacks as a response to worker mistreatment.
Gurpreet Sahota, a prominent journalist in B.C.’s South Asian community, suggested that the Bishnois aim to deter imitators and maintain control over intermediaries through their actions. The gang’s narrative portrays them as targeting individuals engaged in wrongful activities, with a Robin Hood-esque justification to improve their public image.
Despite the gang’s efforts to portray themselves as protectors of the community, concerns linger within the community about their activities potentially impacting ordinary individuals in the future. Several alleged Bishnoi associates have faced legal repercussions in Canada, including involvement in significant crimes such as the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
In light of recent events, it is evident that the Bishnoi gang’s attempts to rebrand themselves as community protectors are met with skepticism, especially given the criminal nature of their actions and impact on innocent individuals.