Toronto (Rajeev Sharma): In a fresh wave of violence targeting the Punjabi community abroad, unidentified gunmen opened fire at the home of Punjabi singer Channi Nattan in Canada. The incident occurred barely 24 hours after the killing of Darshan Singh Sahsi, a well-known industrialist of Punjabi origin.
The Lawrence Bishnoi gang, a transnational crime network with roots in India, has claimed responsibility for both the murder of Sahsi and the shooting at Nattan’s residence. The group alleged that Sahsi was killed after he failed to meet extortion demands.
No injuries were reported in the firing incident, though police confirmed multiple bullet holes were found at the property. Officers have cordoned off the area and initiated a probe, while additional security measures have been deployed to protect members of the Indo-Canadian community who may be under threat.
In a Facebook post, gang member Goldie Dhillon took credit for both acts of violence, accusing Sahsi of involvement in the drug trade and warning others against “defying” the group’s demands.
The Bishnoi gang, led by jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, has been linked to numerous cases of extortion, contract killings, and smuggling. Bishnoi, who has been incarcerated in India since 2014, is believed to be running operations through an extensive network that spans India and several foreign countries.
The group came into global focus after being implicated in the 2022 killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, and Canadian authorities have since listed it as a terrorist organisation. The network’s influence reportedly extends into areas with a significant Punjabi diaspora, especially in Canada, the UK, and Australia.
Police in Canada are now investigating whether the two latest incidents are part of a coordinated campaign aimed at expanding the gang’s extortion racket abroad. Officials said that community safety remains their top priority, and that possible connections between local associates and the Bishnoi network are being explored.
No arrests have yet been made, and both cases remain under active investigation.
