Recent violence in Calgary is raising concerns about the influence of an Indian gang on South Asian communities in Canada. Two shootings within four days are believed to be connected to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which has been linked to extortion and violence in British Columbia and Ontario.

On July 21, a video surfaced on social media showing a group of men firing shots at the Dreamers nightclub on 10th Avenue, S.W. This incident has been claimed by associates of the Bishnoi gang. Just days earlier, on July 17, shots were fired into a parked car in the northeast community of Redstone, further alarming local residents.

The Lawrence Bishnoi gang, whose leader is currently imprisoned in India, has gained notoriety in North America due to several high-profile cases. These include alleged connections to the 2024 murder of Khalistan leader Harjit Singh Njjar, which the Canadian government claims was orchestrated by the Indian government. However, no credible evidence has been presented to support this assertion.

The gang is also implicated in the killing of Sidhu Moose Wala, a musician with ties to Canada, and has targeted various individuals, including a prominent Bollywood star. In Surrey, British Columbia, there has been a surge in extortion attempts linked to the gang, causing significant fear within the community. In June, a businessman was shot dead after a brief conversation with two men, and a gang member named Goldy Dhillon claimed responsibility for the attack in a Facebook post.

Community leaders, such as Satish Kumar, president of the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, have also been victims of extortion demands reaching millions of dollars. Reports indicate that extortion is a major source of income for the gang, although police in British Columbia have been cautious in directly linking these incidents to the gang.

The situation has prompted political action, with B.C. Premier David Eby urging the federal government to designate the gang as a terrorist organization. Calgary police have acknowledged the rise in extortion cases targeting the South Asian community across Canada. A spokesperson stated, "We are aware of a series of extortions targeting members of the South Asian community, which have been occurring across the country."

Calgary police are actively investigating the shootings and any potential connections to extortion. They have not yet received additional reports of extortion related to these incidents. The police are also working with their Diversity Resource Team to engage with the South Asian community, offering support and resources to those affected.