US Charges Lawrence Bishnoi in Nijjar Murder Case

The United States has charged jailed Indian gang leader Lawrence Bishnoi and his alleged North American associate, Satinderjeet Singh, also known as Goldy Brar, with directing the 2023 killing of Canadian Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia. According to a federal indictment unsealed in Los Angeles, Bishnoi allegedly coordinated the operation from an Indian prison using smuggled mobile phones, while Goldy Brar managed activities in North America.

The indictment claims Bishnoi provided information, including Nijjar’s photograph and addresses, to facilitate the attack. However, U.S. authorities clarified that the charges do not allege any involvement or knowledge of the Indian government in the murder. Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and Khalistan supporter, had been designated a terrorist by India before his death.

The charges are part of a wider joint U.S.-Canada investigation targeting transnational organized crime, with 37 individuals linked to India-based criminal networks facing allegations including racketeering, extortion, and drug trafficking. Nijjar’s killing had sparked a diplomatic dispute between Canada and India in 2023, though relations have recently shown signs of improvement under Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

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