After Canada, India Expels Diplomats, Police Refer To Bishnoi Gang
Photo: The Indian High Commission building in Ottawa. Photo:Reuters/Blair Gable
OTTAWA, (REUTERS, ANI) – Canada expelled six Indian diplomats after a police investigation found that Indian government agents were involved in a “campaign of violence” against dissidents in the North American country.
In a tit-for-tat move following Canada’s expulsion of the Indian diplomats, India’s foreign ministry said that New Delhi had expelled six Canadian diplomats – including the acting high commissioner.
Speaking to reporters on October 14, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the Royal Canadian Mounted Police uncovered “clear and compelling evidence” that Indian government agents had engaged in activities that threaten public safety in Canada.
“This includes clandestine information-gathering techniques, coercive behavior targeting South Asian Canadians, and involvement in over a dozen threatening and violent acts, including murder,” Trudeau told reporters.
“I think it is obvious the Government of India made a fundamental error in thinking they could engage in supporting criminal activity against Canadians, here on Canadian soil. Whether it be murders or extortion or other violent acts, it is absolutely unacceptable,” he said.
RCMP Commissioner Michael Duheme said during a news conference that police had learned “a significant amount of information on the breadth and depth of criminal activity orchestrated by agents of the government of India”.
Duheme said the activities amounted to “consequential threats to the safety and security of Canadians and individuals living in Canada”. ANI reported that police said agents of the Government of India use criminals – referring specifically to the Bishnoi gang, to target members of the South Asian community.