Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Press Conference: Serious Yet Unsubstantiated Allegations Against India

Links of (rogue) Indian Government Agents with the Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Also Alleged.

RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme and Assistant Commissioner Brigitte Gauvin participate in a news conference at Ottawa, Monday, Oct. 14, 2024.

Press Conference by Commissioner Michael Duheme of the RCMP

In a live-streamed press conference from Ottawa, Commissioner Michael Duheme of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) disclosed an ongoing investigation into violent criminal activities in Canada, allegedly linked to agents of the broader Indian state actors. Joined by Assistant Commissioner Brigitte Gauvin, Duheme discussed the broad scope of these threats, the progress of investigations, and the serious public safety concerns arising from these activities.

This unprecedented press conference comes amidst an escalating diplomatic crisis between Canada and India, marked by a series of tense exchanges. The timeline of events is as follows (time in IST) of 14th October:

• 1:56 PM: India criticises Canada for involving its High Commissioner in the investigation.

• 6:52 PM: Canada’s top diplomat is summoned by Indian authorities.

• 7:23 PM: India announces the withdrawal of its envoy following the meeting.

• 8:30 PM: Reports emerge of Canada planning to expel several Indian diplomats.

• 9:30 PM: RCMP holds its press conference.

• 9:46 PM: Canada officially announces the expulsion of Indian diplomats.

These developments not only underscore but actively manifest the deepening strain in diplomatic relations, as both countries grapple with complex security and political challenges.

UPDATE: PM Trudeau’s Statement

Shortly after the press conference, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted, “My statement on the evidence brought forward by the RCMP against agents of the Government of India,” while retweeting his own uncompromising official statement.

Criminal Investigations and Threats to the South Asian Community

The Commissioner claimed that the RCMP and other Canadian law enforcement agencies had successfully investigated and charged several individuals involved in homicides, extortion, and other violent criminal acts over the years. A significant number of imminent threats to life, particularly against members of the South Asian community and the pro-Khalistan movement, were identified. The RCMP had issued several "Duty to Warn" notices to potential targets. A multidisciplinary team was formed in February 2024 to focus on these threats, revealing connections to agents of the Indian government, he asserted.

RCMP's Allegations on Indian Government Agents’ Involvement

The RCMP's investigations claim to have uncovered a wide range of criminal activities allegedly orchestrated by agents of the Indian state, posing serious risks to public safety in Canada. Commissioner Michael Duheme stated, "We have uncovered connections to agents of the Government of India involved in homicides, violent acts, and organised crime." These activities were designed to create an unsafe environment for the South Asian community in Canada and included efforts to interfere in democratic processes. The RCMP also claimed that Indian diplomats and consular officials had leveraged their official positions to gather intelligence and engage in clandestine operations targeting these communities.

Involvement of the Lawrence Bishnoi Gang

A key aspect of the RCMP’s claimed findings involves the infamous Lawrence Bishnoi gang, led by the notorious gangster currently incarcerated in Sabarmati Jail, Gujarat. Despite being behind bars, Bishnoi has continued to orchestrate violent crimes, gaining notoriety for issuing death threats to Bollywood star Salman Khan. His gang is also suspected of involvement in the murder of renowned Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, a crime that further cemented Bishnoi’s reputation as a dangerous and ruthless figure in the criminal underworld. Public concerns escalated when Bishnoi gave a televised interview from jail, prompting the Punjab and Haryana High Court to order an independent investigation into the security breach.

The RCMP has now linked Bishnoi’s gang to organised crime in Canada, allegedly with the aid, assistance, and abetment of Indian government agents, whether rogue or otherwise. Most recently, his gang has been connected to the assassination of Baba Siddique, a prominent political leader in Mumbai, on 12th October. This connection underscores the transnational nature of these threats and the expanding reach of organised crime in high-profile cases, particularly when operating in collaboration with rogue state actors.

Failed Diplomacy and Attempts to Collaborate with Indian Authorities

Efforts by the RCMP’s Deputy Commissioner to meet with Indian law enforcement counterparts earlier in the week were unsuccessful, despite the urgency of the situation. The RCMP presented evidence of the Indian government's alleged involvement to Indian officials over the weekend, but this too failed to yield productive results. Commissioner Duheme remarked, "We reached a point where we felt it was imperative to confront the Government of India and inform the public about some very serious findings uncovered through our investigations."

RCMP's Focus on Public Safety and Encouragement for Reporting Incidents

Despite these diplomatic setbacks, the RCMP remains focused on ensuring public safety in Canada, the Commissioner asserted. They encouraged members of the South Asian community to report any incidents of foreign interference, intimidation, or threats, whether online or in person. The RCMP Commissioner assured that law enforcement agencies are working diligently to mitigate these threats: "The safety and security of all Canadians, regardless of their background, remains our top priority."

Investigations, Arrests, and Ongoing Efforts

The press conference also revealed that investigations had purportedly led to the arrest of several individuals linked to homicides and extortions. The Assistant Commissioner confirmed, “Approximately eight individuals have been arrested and charged in connection with homicides, and at least 22 individuals are tied to extortion cases, some with connections to the Indian government.” However, diplomatic immunity has limited the RCMP’s ability to prosecute certain Indian diplomats implicated in these activities.

The Path Forward: Challenges in Maintaining Canada-India Relations

The press conference concluded on a sombre note, emphasising the importance of continuing investigations and pursuing justice, even amidst diplomatic challenges. The RCMP officials expressed hope that despite current setbacks, cooperation between Canada and India could be restored to tackle violent extremism together.

The Broader Diplomatic Crisis and Sikh Diaspora in Canada

Amid the intensifying diplomatic standoff, it would be naive to dismiss the public allegations made by the RCMP, especially given the disproportionately large Sikh diaspora in Canada, which includes citizens, permanent residents, students, visitors, and asylum seekers. This community is deeply embedded in Canadian society, and such claims, whether substantiated or not, could have significant implications for both nations. Ignoring these allegations risks downplaying a serious issue that touches on internal security in Canada and the delicate balance of diplomatic relations with India.

At the same time, we endorse the view expressed by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) that these allegations may be part of a political manoeuvre by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. With the Canadian economy under strain and Trudeau’s approval ratings at historic lows ahead of the elections, this public confrontation with India could be seen as an attempt to deflect attention from domestic challenges and bolster his political standing. Given that neither the investigation nor the trials have concluded, such public remarks by a senior RCMP officer not only risk prejudicing the administration of justice and due process but could also derail the entire legal process. These comments are, therefore, at best premature, and at worst, politically motivated—with the intent to defame India and obstruct the fair functioning of Canada's justice system.

India's Opposition: A Call for Unity in the Face of External Provocations

Indian opposition parties must be cautious not to fall prey to Canada's subtle propaganda, disguised as legitimate concerns. It would be counterproductive to play into the narrative that India is complicit in the criminal activities of notorious figures like Lawrence Bishnoi. While it is essential to closely monitor and break Bishnoi's nexus and networks, using this as an opportunity to criticise the Modi government for short-term political gain would serve only to weaken India’s united front in international diplomacy.

Opposition leaders should also be mindful of the potential for their impromptu TV statements to be distorted and used by anti-India elements, both domestically and abroad. In this moment of heightened tensions, unity is paramount. The Canadian government’s public accusations are a clear attempt to embarrass India on the world stage, even as investigations remain ongoing. This is not the time for political divisions; rather, all Indian political factions should stand together to condemn Canada's efforts to tarnish India’s global image. United, India will be in a stronger position to challenge these accusations and protect its reputation.

Outlook: Bleak but Optimistic

With the mutual expulsion of diplomats, including the High Commissioners, diplomatic relations between Canada and India are likely to enter a deep freeze. Restoring collaboration on both diplomatic and law enforcement fronts will require patience, trust-building, and sustained efforts from both sides. While the path to reconciliation will undoubtedly be challenging, concerted diplomatic engagement is essential for both nations to address shared security concerns and rebuild their relationship. The due process of law in Canada should continue unimpeded, but India is entirely justified in taking a firm stand against baseless allegations driven by domestic political compulsions. India will not be cowed by attempts to undermine its integrity, and we stand resolutely with our country and government as they navigate these international challenges. Only through steadfastness and measured diplomacy can a more cooperative and secure future be achieved.

Having said that, we stand firmly with our country and our government¹.

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