Victoria, British Columbia (Rajeev Sharma): A Canadian man linked to India’s Lawrence Bishnoi gang has been sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to firing shots and committing arson outside singer AP Dhillon’s home in Colwood last year.
Abjeet Kingra, 26, from Winnipeg, admitted to his role in the September 2024 incident, where gunfire erupted near Dhillon’s residence and two vehicles were set on fire. The attack sent shockwaves through Indo-Canadian communities and is now considered one of several violent acts allegedly orchestrated by members of the Bishnoi network operating internationally.
The court in Victoria handed down the sentence in late September, weeks after Kingra entered a guilty plea. According to reports, Kingra was convicted of reckless discharge of a firearm and arson, both considered serious offences under Canadian law.
The shooting took place during the early hours of September 2, 2024, and no injuries were reported. Authorities believe it was part of a larger intimidation campaign linked to Bishnoi and his associates. One theory under investigation is that the attack was retaliation for AP Dhillon’s collaboration with actor Salman Khan, who has been on the Bishnoi gang’s radar for years.
Another suspect, Vikram Sharma, remains at large and is believed to have escaped to India. A warrant has been issued for his arrest, and cross-border cooperation is being pursued.
The case has drawn renewed attention following the Canadian government’s move to officially designate Lawrence Bishnoi as a foreign terrorist entity, reflecting growing concern over the gang’s transnational reach and its involvement in violent extortion and targeted attacks.
Kingra’s sentencing is seen as a significant step in holding gang operatives accountable beyond Indian borders, and Canadian authorities have vowed to continue cracking down on criminal elements linked to international networks.