In a landmark federal indictment unsealed under Operation Hard Ball, the United States has accused jailed Indian gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his close associate Satinderjeet Singh, alias Goldy Brar, of orchestrating the June 2023 assassination of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. This marks the first time US prosecutors have formally linked the Bishnoi syndicate to the killing, which had previously strained India-Canada relations.
Details of the Indictment and Arrests
The indictment is one of three unsealed as part of Operation Hard Ball, a coordinated crackdown by law enforcement agencies from the US, Canada, and Europe against India-based transnational organised crime syndicates. A total of 24 individuals have been arrested in connection with the operation, according to the US Department of Justice. Court documents identify Nijjar as “HSN,” who was shot dead by two gunmen outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023.
The US has indicated it may seek Bishnoi’s extradition from India. Assistant US Attorney Essayli stated that authorities intend to pursue extradition of those charged, including Bishnoi and jailed gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, alleging that both continue to run criminal enterprises from Indian prisons. “When they come to a federal prison in the US, I guarantee you they won’t be extorting any more victims once they’re in our custody,” Essayli said, criticising Indian prison security.
Canadian Police Contradict Trudeau’s Allegations
Significantly, Canadian Police Deputy Commissioner Lisa Moreland contradicted former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s 2023 remarks alleging a “potential link” between Indian government agents and Nijjar’s killing. Moreland stated there was “no evidence” to support such a claim, a statement seen as a diplomatic apology that could help restore bilateral ties. Trudeau’s earlier comments had led to reciprocal diplomatic expulsions, visa disruptions, and a freeze in engagement between India and Canada.
Neither the US indictment nor officials associated with Operation Hard Ball alleged any involvement by the Indian government in Nijjar’s murder.
Scope of the Criminal Syndicate
The nine-count indictment against Bishnoi, 33, alleges that despite being imprisoned in India, he ran a global criminal syndicate using contraband mobile phones and internet-based communication devices smuggled into jail. Prosecutors say he directed political assassinations, murders, extortion, kidnappings, narcotics trafficking, and other organised crimes through associates in India, North America, and Europe.
The indictment identifies Goldy Brar as the Bishnoi syndicate’s North American leader and Rohit Godara as its European head, alleging they coordinated violent acts in the US and Canada on Bishnoi’s behalf.
Drug Trafficking and Seizures
Federal prosecutors alleged the syndicate financed its activities through international drug trafficking and theft of narcotics from rival gangs. Investigators linked the group to the movement of large quantities of cocaine between the US and Canada, and alleged it stole more than 520 kg of cocaine from rival trafficking organisations in the Los Angeles area between March 2024 and July 2025. Nearly 1,000 kg of cocaine, 1 kg of heroin, $40,000 in cash, and firearms were seized during the operation.
Additional Indictments Against Other Groups
The investigation also led to indictments against two other India-linked organised crime groups allegedly led by jailed Punjab gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and Canada-based Ravinder Singh Dhanda. Prosecutors accused these groups of operating transnational networks involved in murder-for-hire, drug trafficking, kidnapping, extortion, firearms offences, and cross-border narcotics smuggling. In total, 37 individuals have been charged across three separate cases involving racketeering, targeted killings, extortion, drug trafficking, firearms offences, and human smuggling.
