A series of crimes across Canada have been allegedly linked to an Indian government campaign against activists and opponents of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with six diplomatic and consular officials expelled for their roles in the scheme. These crimes primarily target members of the Khalistan movement, which supports independence for India’s Sikh-majority Punjab. There is evidence suggesting that the operation was approved by Modi’s right-hand man, Amit Shah, India’s second most powerful politician, indicating that it originated from the highest levels of government. The RCMP issued a warning about India’s suspected involvement in serious criminal activity in Canada, including extortion, spying, and attacks carried out by organized crime groups based in India.
Individuals of South Asian descent living in Canada were coerced into conducting tasks for Indian agents based in Ottawa’s consulates and high commission. Those who refused faced consequences such as being denied visas to return to India. The intelligence collected through spying on individuals and Sikh organizations was used to target Khalistan activists and other opponents of the Modi government. Attacks in Canada, ranging from arsons and drive-by shootings to killings, were allegedly coordinated by Indian government operatives. The RCMP has launched multiple investigations into these activities, including extortions and arsons in Edmonton, a murder in Winnipeg, and shootings in British Columbia and Ontario.
One of the individuals targeted in these attacks was Sikh-Canadian activist Inderjeet Singh Gosal, who has been organizing a referendum for Khalistan independence. Gosal believes that the shooting at his home and the threats to his life were part of the Indian government’s operation, a sentiment that was confirmed by investigators. Despite India’s denial of involvement and accusations of political agendas from the Indian government, evidence suggests the direct involvement of Modi’s right-hand man, Amit Shah, who has a history of controversial actions while serving in various political roles. Shah was previously arrested in 2010 for kidnapping and killing a Muslim couple, but was acquitted and rose to become Modi’s home minister, overseeing internal security.
The crimes linked to the Indian government’s alleged campaign have sparked widespread concern among the South Asian community in Canada, with individuals facing threats and intimidation for their activism and opposition to the Modi government. The RCMP’s warning about these activities highlights the serious threat to public safety posed by these actions. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has directly linked the killing of a Sikh-Canadian activist to the government of India, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice in these cases. Overall, the revelations of the Indian government’s alleged involvement in criminal activities in Canada have raised serious questions about the extent of state-sponsored actions against dissidents and activists on foreign soil.