The United States Department of Justice has formally charged Indian gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his associate Goldy Brar in connection with the conspiracy to kill Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The charges were unsealed on July 8, 2026, in a federal court in New York, alleging that the accused orchestrated the murder plot from within US borders.
Details of the Charges
According to the indictment, Bishnoi and Brar are accused of conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, as well as conspiracy to commit violent acts in furtherance of a criminal enterprise. The US authorities claim that the duo directed a network of operatives to track and eliminate Nijjar, who was a vocal advocate for a separate Sikh state known as Khalistan. The plot allegedly involved coordination with gang members in Canada and India.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, 45, was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023. The killing sparked a diplomatic row between India and Canada, with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleging Indian government involvement—a charge India has consistently denied. The US charges now shift focus to organized crime networks operating internationally.
Cross-Border Criminal Network
Lawrence Bishnoi, currently incarcerated in India, is believed to run a vast criminal empire from prison. Goldy Brar, a Canadian-based gangster, is considered his close associate and has been linked to multiple high-profile crimes in Punjab and abroad. The US indictment details how the two used encrypted messaging apps and shell companies to finance and direct the assassination plot. “The defendants exploited international borders to further their criminal objectives, demonstrating a blatant disregard for human life,” said a spokesperson for the US Attorney’s Office.
The case highlights the growing reach of Indian organized crime networks into North America. US investigators worked closely with Canadian and Indian law enforcement to build the case. The charges carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment if convicted.
Impact on Diplomatic Relations
The development is likely to further strain ties between India and Canada, already tense over the Nijjar killing. India has maintained that it had no role in the murder and has called for evidence from Canada. The US charges, while not implicating any state actors, underscore the transnational nature of the plot. Analysts suggest the case may prompt greater cooperation among intelligence agencies to combat cross-border crime.
Meanwhile, the families of the victims and the Sikh community in Canada have called for justice. “We hope this brings those responsible to account,” said a community leader. The trial is expected to begin later this year.
