Canadian PM Trudeau alleges Indian Diplomats linked to organized crime
New Delhi: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has accused Indian diplomats of collecting information on Canadians who disagree with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government and sharing it with organized crime groups, including the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
This allegation was made during Trudeau's testimony before the public inquiry into foreign interference in federal electoral processes and democratic institutions.
Trudeau claimed that Indian diplomats are attempting to silence critics of Modi's government on Canadian soil, with tactics that extend beyond the Sikh community.
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He expressed concerns about India's intimidation strategies in Canada, citing the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Vancouver.
Trudeau, however, stated that he had only intelligence, not concrete evidence, to support his claims.
The Lawrence Bishnoi gang, infamous for assassinations and extortion in India, has been accused by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police of potential involvement in Nijjar's killing.
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The RCMP has identified the gang as an organized crime entity used by India to target South Asian diaspora members and Sikh separatists.
India has vehemently denied Canada's allegations, stating that no evidence has been presented to support these claims.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that Canada's assertions are "simply not true" and that the responsibility for damaging India-Canada relations lies with Trudeau.