New Delhi: The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in coordination with other American law enforcement agencies, has launched a major crackdown on the Lawrence Bishnoi network, taking more than 20 individuals into custody in an operation codenamed "Operation Hard Ball."
The operation targeted key factions of the transnational criminal syndicate allegedly involved in criminal activities affecting communities across North America and India. Authorities said the action focused on dismantling the network's operations in the United States.
One of the key findings of the investigation, officials said, was that no evidence was found linking the Indian government to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani operative.
The Nijjar killing had severely strained diplomatic ties between India and Canada after then Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged in 2023 that Indian authorities were involved in the assassination. India had strongly rejected the allegations.
An official said the latest US action vindicates India's long-standing position that there was no credible evidence supporting Trudeau's claims.
Canada had, in 2024, arrested and charged four Indian nationals in connection with Nijjar's murder. According to officials, the findings of the US investigation undermine the allegations previously made by the Canadian government.
Relations between the two countries had deteriorated significantly following the allegations, leading to the expulsion of senior diplomats by both sides. Ottawa had also identified Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Verma as a person of interest in its investigation.
US authorities have now charged Lawrence Bishnoi and his close aide Goldy Brar with ordering the killing of Nijjar. Another official said the development raises serious questions about the investigation conducted by Canadian authorities in 2024.
While announcing the indictment, US authorities stated that there was no evidence to support claims that Indian government agents masterminded Nijjar's murder. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), which served as the primary co-lead alongside the FBI in Operation Hard Ball, also said its investigation found no evidence implicating Indian officials in the crime.
RCMP Deputy Commissioner Lisa Moreland, when asked about Trudeau's allegations against Indian officials, said the investigation remains ongoing and that nothing has emerged linking the Indian government to the killing.
Another official said India had consistently maintained that Nijjar's murder was the result of gang rivalry. The official added that the latest findings should put an end to the blame game and help preserve the improving relationship between India and Canada.
Bilateral ties have improved considerably since Mark Carney succeeded Trudeau as Canada's Prime Minister. Carney visited India earlier this year, during which both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation on several issues, particularly those related to the Khalistan movement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Canada later this year to sign a trade agreement.
Officials said Indian and Canadian agencies are now working closely on issues related to Khalistani extremism. According to them, Modi has conveyed Canada's security establishment the threat posed by the movement, prompting enhanced cooperation between the two countries.
The collaboration includes intelligence sharing and coordinated efforts to identify and track individuals linked to the Khalistan movement.
Canadian authorities have also stepped up action against Khalistani activities by introducing a series of measures aimed at curbing the movement.
New Delhi has repeatedly maintained that the Khalistan movement poses a serious threat not only to India but also to Canada. For years, Khalistani groups allegedly used Canadian soil to conduct anti-India propaganda, organise unofficial referendums, and campaign for the creation of an independent Khalistan carved out of Punjab.
Despite sustained efforts by Khalistani groups, including alleged support from Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), the movement has failed to gain significant traction in Punjab.
Officials believe that the recent improvement in India-Canada relations, coupled with coordinated action against Khalistani elements, is likely to further weaken the movement's influence and morale.
With IANS inputs