FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2025
BRAMPTON, ON — Today, Mayor Patrick Brown, joined by Deputy Mayor Harkirat Singh and Regional Councillors Gurpartap Singh Toor and Navjit Kaur Brar, formally submitted a request to Prime Minister Mark Carney and Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree, urging the Government of Canada to designate the Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity.
The Bishnoi gang, a transnational criminal network led from India, has been linked to a growing wave of violence, extortion, and intimidation targeting South Asian communities in Brampton and across the Region of Peel. The gang’s operations—allegedly involving over 700 international operatives—have created a climate of fear and instability, particularly through the exploitation of vulnerable individuals including international students.
“The safety of residents is our top priority,” said Mayor Brown. “Designating the Bishnoi gang as a terrorist organization would provide law enforcement with the tools they need to disrupt and dismantle this dangerous network. This is about protecting our communities from violence, intimidation, and criminal exploitation.”
Peel Regional Police have indicated that this designation would significantly enhance their investigative capacity. The request echoes similar calls from British Columbia Premier David Eby and the World Sikh Organization.
“A designation of this nature, sends a strong message to our community and any group that attempts to target it”, said Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah. “It will also provide law enforcement and public safety with a valuable set of tools to protect it.”
Mayor Brown and members of Brampton Council reaffirm their commitment to working with all levels of government to keep communities safe.
See the attached letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney and Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree.
