• Lawrence Bishnoi named as ringleader who oversaw ‘political assassinations, extortions and drug trafficking’ from his jail cell; Indian cop also implicated
• Gang linked to killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada
WASHINGTON: An Indian gangster who, according to US prosecutors, cultivated the image of a “patriot”, “nationalist” and deeply religious figure, was in reality directing “political assassinations, murders, shootings, extortions, kidnappings, drug trafficking, human smuggling, and other crimes” across continents from his prison cell in India.
The allegation is contained in a sweeping federal indictment unsealed on Tuesday against Lawrence Bishnoi, whom US authorities accuse of running a global criminal enterprise with the help of associates operating in North America and Europe.
He is accused of directing a criminal network involved in political assassinations, drug trafficking, extortion and targeted killings across several countries, including the 2023 assassination of pro-Khalistan Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.
The charges are likely to draw attention in Pakistan as officials have long accused India of sponsoring militant groups and carrying out covert operations in other countries, including Pakistan.
New Delhi has repeatedly denied those allegations.
‘Coordinated crackdown’
The US Justice Department announced “a coordinated international crackdown” involving the United States, Canada and several European countries.
A total of 37 defendants have been charged in three separate indictments. Twenty-four suspects were arrested in the United States, Canada and Europe, while authorities are searching for 10 fugitives.
The investigation, codenamed Operation Hard Ball, also led to the seizure of about 1,000 kilograms of cocaine, one kilogram of heroin, cash and a dozen firearms.
“Transnational criminal gangs who spread fear, drugs, and violence will face the full force of justice and the weight of the (US) federal government,” Attorney Bill Essayli said while announcing the operation.
“Working together, law enforcement in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia are determined to target and dismantle these criminal organisations wherever they operate. There is no safe harbour for these thugs,” he said.
According to the indictment, Bishnoi projected himself as a nationalist and religious figure while secretly directing criminal activities across several continents.
Prosecutors say he used contraband mobile phones and internet-based communication devices from inside prison to direct members of his organisation.
Nijjar’s assassination
Among the most serious allegations is the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh leader who was shot outside a gurdwara in British Columbia, Canada, on June 18, 2023.
Federal prosecutors charged Bishnoi and his close associate, Satinderjeet Singh, with ordering the assassination. The indictment identifies Nijjar only by his initials, “H.S.N.”
The killing triggered a diplomatic crisis between Ottawa and New Delhi after the former accused Indian agents of involvement. India denied the accusation.
The US indictment does not accuse the Indian government of participating in the killing. Instead, it alleges that the assassination was ordered by the Bishnoi-led criminal enterprise.
The indictment also alleges that the gang targeted “prominent religious, social, and political leaders” and used fear within the Indian diaspora to extort money.
In one case, prosecutors said, members of the organisation demanded $5 million from a victim in California.
The Justice Department said the network also financed its activities through large-scale cocaine trafficking and by stealing drug shipments from rival organisations.
Assistant Director Patrick Grandy of the Federal Bureau of Investigation said the operation struck “at the heart of three brutal transnational organisations that have terrorised families, exploited communities, and stolen lives through ruthless acts of violence in the US and abroad”.
Mike Duheme, an official of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, said the investigation disrupted criminal groups that “used murder, cruelty and fear to extort and control people in Canada and the US”.
The latest US case does not directly address Pakistan’s claims against India. However, it is among the most detailed criminal cases filed by US authorities involving an India-based syndicate accused of carrying out assassinations, extortion and international drug trafficking across several countries.
AFP adds: Indian police have opened an inquiry against an official linked by US authorities to the transnational crime group led by Lawrence Bishnoi.
Police in East Punjab said that an inspector, identified as Gurinderjit Singh Nagra, had been taken off duty pending inquiry “in connection with an extortion-related operation” by US authorities.
Published in Dawn, July 9th, 2026