Nijjar killing: US charges Bishnoi, Brar; no India govt link: Canada
The US has charged gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar with ordering the assassination of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This development follows a US-led 'Operation Hardball' against three criminal gangs involved in transnational crimes, which led to 37 charges and 24 arrests across the US, Canada, and Europe. Canadian police stated there is "no evidence" of any official Indian government involvement in Nijjar's killing, removing a major irritant in bilateral ties with India. The operation signals deepening international cooperation against Indian-origin gang networks involved in targeted killings, extortion, and narcotics trafficking.
Key Points
- The US has charged gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar for ordering the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
- Canada has stated there is no evidence linking the Indian government to Nijjar's killing, easing bilateral tensions.
- A US-led 'Operation Hardball' targeted three Indian crime syndicates involved in transnational crimes.
- The operation resulted in 37 charges and 24 arrests across the US, Canada, and Europe, highlighting international cooperation against organized crime.
- The Bishnoi enterprise was designated a terrorist entity by Canada in September 2025.
Exam Facts
- Hardeep Singh Nijjar was killed on June 18, 2023.
- Lawrence Bishnoi (33) and Goldy Brar were charged by the US.
- Operation Hardball is the name of the coordinated action by law enforcement from the US, Canada, and Europe.
- The Bishnoi enterprise was designated a terrorist entity by Canada in September 2025.
- Nikhil Gupta pleaded guilty in US federal court for the attempted murder of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
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