Deportation Hearing Halted After Officials Lose Track of Bishnoi Gang Suspect in Canada

A deportation hearing for an alleged member of the Bishnoi extortion network was abruptly halted after Canadian officials said they were unable to locate the suspect, raising concerns about coordination between federal agencies handling high-profile organized crime cases.

The case centres on Abjeet Kingra, an Indian national accused of links to the Bishnoi gang, which Canadian authorities have tied to a wave of extortion-related violence targeting South Asian communities across the country. Proceedings before the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada were suspended shortly after they began when officials acknowledged they had lost track of the accused.

According to officials, representatives from the Canada Border Services Agency, which is seeking Kingra’s removal from Canada, also confirmed they did not know his current location at the time of the hearing. The presiding IRB member stated that without confirmation of the suspect’s whereabouts, the hearing could not proceed and would be rescheduled once clarity was established.

However, conflicting information emerged from provincial authorities in British Columbia, where court officials indicated that Kingra remained in custody while awaiting trial for separate criminal charges. These include allegations related to a shooting and arson incident at a residence in Surrey, part of a broader pattern of violence linked to extortion activity.

Investigators allege that the Bishnoi network, which originated in India, has been responsible for coordinated acts of violence, including shootings, arson attacks and threats against business owners and public figures. The group has been designated as a terrorist organization in Canada due to its alleged involvement in organized criminal operations spanning multiple provinces.

Kingra is among several individuals identified through an extortion task force operating in Canada, where authorities have intensified efforts to address organized crime networks. Officials report that hundreds of foreign nationals are under review, with dozens already subject to removal orders or deportation proceedings.

Authorities allege Kingra entered Canada on a student visa before becoming involved in criminal activity. He is accused of participating in a 2024 attack that involved gunfire and arson targeting the home of a prominent figure, an incident captured on surveillance footage and later linked to the Bishnoi group.

Local officials in Surrey have expressed concern over the handling of the case, emphasizing the need for stronger coordination between agencies. The disruption of the hearing has also drawn criticism amid ongoing fears related to extortion-driven violence affecting communities and businesses.

Federal agencies have not yet clarified how the discrepancy regarding Kingra’s custody status occurred. The deportation hearing is expected to resume once authorities confirm his location and ensure his availability for proceedings.

Courtesy: globalnews