U.S. indicts Lawrence Bishnoi and associates for transnational organized crime, Nijjar assassination
The U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) has indicted Lawrence Bishnoi and his associates for transnational organized crime, including allegations of ordering the assassination of pro-Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada in 2023. Bishnoi's group, headquartered in India but operating globally, is accused of targeted killings, extortion, drug trafficking, and creating a climate of fear among the Indian diaspora. The DoJ also indicted two other Punjab-linked syndicates led by Jagtar Singh alias Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and Ravinder Singh Dhanda. The investigation, aided by Sukhraj Singh Kang, a senior lieutenant, has led to multiple arrests and drug seizures. The NIA's 2022 charge sheet also mirrored these allegations, noting Bishnoi's operation from prison and comparing his rise to Dawood Ibrahim.
Key Points
- The U.S. DoJ has indicted Lawrence Bishnoi's organized crime group for transnational activities, including the alleged assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
- Bishnoi's network is accused of targeted killings, extortion, drug trafficking, and creating fear among the Indian diaspora across multiple countries.
- Two other Punjab-linked transnational crime syndicates, led by Jagtar Singh alias Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and Ravinder Singh Dhanda, were also indicted.
- The investigation highlights the ability of such groups to operate internationally, even with leaders incarcerated, and their use of social media for recruitment.
Exam Facts
- Indicted individual: Lawrence Bishnoi (33).
- Assassinated individual: Hardeep Singh Nijjar (pro-Khalistan activist).
- Year of assassination: 2023.
- Other indicted leaders: Jagtar Singh alias Jaggu Bhagwanpuria (38), Ravinder Singh Dhanda (57).
- Act referenced: Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (Section 303).
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