The Lawrence Bishnoi gang, recognized as a terrorist organization by the Canadian government in September, is making efforts to change its public image within Canada’s South Asian community. The gang, known for using social media to claim or deny involvement in violent incidents, threats, and statements, is now focusing on portraying themselves as principled criminals targeting the wicked while sparing law-abiding citizens.
Recent attacks in South Asian communities, particularly in British Columbia and Ontario, have raised concerns of extortion-related violence. In Surrey, B.C., a café owned by Indian comedian Kapil Sharma was attacked for the third time, with gunmen firing shots through the windows while employees were present. Investigations revealed a pattern of extortion demands and related shootings in the city, including a recent incident where a woman was shot while sleeping in her bed.
The Bishnoi gang has distanced itself from attacks on innocent individuals, attributing some incidents to non-members seeking to exploit the gang’s reputation. The gang claims to target employers mistreating female employees and exploiting foreign workers and students.
In a recent incident, a Bishnoi gang member named Fateh Portugal took responsibility for shootings targeting properties owned by the Dhesi family, a prominent Indo-Canadian business family. Videos of the shootings were posted online, showing gunmen firing at various locations associated with the family.
The gang’s actions have sparked debates within the community, with some supporting their purported mission of targeting wrongdoers while others expressing concerns about escalating violence. Despite the gang’s attempts to rebrand as protectors of the community, critics remain skeptical, emphasizing the need for accountability and condemning violence targeting innocent individuals and businesses.
