US federal prosecutors have charged gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar with allegedly ordering the assassination of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia, Canada, in 2023, according to a statement issued by the US Justice Department.

The charges are part of a wider crackdown named “Operation Hard Ball”, under which 37 defendants have been charged in three federal indictments targeting transnational criminal syndicates. Authorities said 24 people linked to “India-based organised crime groups” were arrested across the United States, Canada and Europe over allegations involving violent crimes, extortion plots and international narcotics trafficking.

Bishnoi, Brar Accused Of Ordering Nijjar Assassination

Federal prosecutors alleged that Bishnoi and Brar ordered the killing of Nijjar, who was shot dead outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023.

“Bishnoi and Brar are charged with ordering this assassination, which occurred when two gunmen shot and killed H.S.N. as he left a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023,” federal prosecutors said.

First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli said federal agencies had targeted three transnational criminal syndicates as part of the operation.

The indictment alleged that the criminal enterprise routinely targeted prominent religious, social and political leaders with violence and used high-profile attacks to intimidate and extort members of communities.

Indictment Cites Shooting At Indian Actor And Singer’s Residence

According to the indictment, the criminal enterprise used acts of violence against prominent individuals as part of its alleged operations.

“Enterprise routinely targeted prominent religious, social, and political leaders with violence, and used these high-profile acts to terrorise and extort members of the community,” the indictment stated.

Prosecutors also cited a November 2023 shooting at the Vancouver residence of a prominent Indian actor and singer.

The indictment alleged that Bishnoi claimed responsibility for the shooting and later issued a warning in Punjabi through a Facebook post, saying, “no one can save you from us.”

US Prosecutors Charge Members Of Other Alleged Crime Syndicates

Federal prosecutors also announced allegations against gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and Ravinder Singh Dhanda in separate cases linked to the broader operation.

According to the indictment, Dhanda allegedly operated a drug distribution network that provided international smuggling services involving large quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine.

“Dhanda operated a drug distribution network that provided international smuggling services for bulk quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine to drug trafficking organisations (DTOs) in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico,” the US Attorney’s Office said.

Prosecutors also described the Bhagwanpuria gang as a transnational criminal syndicate headquartered in India with members operating across several countries.

“Bhagwanpuria gang operates as a transnational criminal syndicate headquartered in India with members across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand,” prosecutors said.

Cocaine And Firearms Seized During Operation Hard Ball

US authorities said cocaine and firearms were seized as part of Operation Hard Ball.

A total of 37 defendants were charged across three federal indictments, while 24 people linked to alleged India-based organised crime groups were arrested in the United States, Canada and Europe.

The charges include allegations involving violent crimes, extortion schemes and international narcotics trafficking.

Federal prosecutors stressed that the charges contained in the indictments remained allegations and that the accused were entitled to the presumption of innocence.

“An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law,” officials said.

Nijjar Killing Triggered India-Canada Diplomatic Standoff

Nijjar’s killing had triggered a major diplomatic dispute between India and Canada after then Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged on September 18, 2023, that Ottawa had “credible intelligence” linking Indian agents to the assassination.

In October 2024, Trudeau said Canadian police had “clear and compelling evidence” supporting the allegations.

India rejected Canada’s claims, and relations between the two countries deteriorated sharply.

The diplomatic dispute eventually led India and Canada to expel six diplomats each in reciprocal moves.

Relations have since improved under Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, with Ottawa signalling that it no longer links India to criminal activities on Canadian soil.

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