The Canadian government designated the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist group in September, and it is now striving to alter its public image within Canada’s South Asian community. The gang has a history of using social media to claim or disown involvement in shootings, issue threats, and make various statements, often sharing videos of their violent activities. However, recent indications suggest a concerted effort by the gang to improve its reputation.
This rebranding initiative coincides with a surge in extortion-related incidents affecting South Asian communities, particularly in British Columbia and Ontario. Recently, a café owned by Indian comedian Kapil Sharma in Surrey, B.C., was targeted in the third attack, where gunmen shot at the establishment while employees were inside, fortunately without causing any injuries. A video depicting the incident was circulated online.
Authorities suspect these attacks are linked to extortion, with Surrey police reporting numerous extortion demands and shootings in the city this year. The Bishnoi gang has distanced itself from targeting innocent individuals, asserting that certain attacks and extortion activities carried out in its name are the work of non-members exploiting the gang’s reputation.
In a separate incident, a Bishnoi gang member identified as Fateh Portugal claimed responsibility for three shootings in Surrey, targeting properties associated with the Dhesi family, prominent Indo-Canadian business owners. The gang posted videos of the shootings, with one showing an individual firing a rifle at a building.
The Bishnois have expressed discontent with copycat actions and emphasized their intent to address issues like employer mistreatment of female workers and exploitation of foreign labor. The Dhesi family has refuted allegations made by the gang, denying involvement in extortion activities.
Following the shootings targeting the Dhesi family, two Surrey restaurants owned by a South Asian businessman were also shot at within a day. The incidents were attributed to Goldy Dhillon, a Bishnoi affiliate, who claimed the shootings were in response to worker mistreatment.
Journalist Gurpreet Sahota highlighted the Bishnois’ efforts to deter imitators and maintain control over intermediaries. The gang’s narrative portrays them as targeting those who exploit the community, rather than law-abiding individuals, with a Robin Hood-esque justification.
Despite attempts to enhance their image, the Bishnois have faced legal repercussions in Canada, including involvement in criminal activities like political assassinations and property damage. The community remains divided in its perceptions of the gang’s motives, with concerns over potential escalation in violence.