Associate of Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Jailed for Six Years in Canada Over Shooting Outside AP Dhillon’s Home

In a major development tied to the expanding reach of transnational crime syndicates, a Canadian court has sentenced Abjeet Kingra, an alleged associate of India’s most-wanted gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, to six years in prison for his role in a shooting incident outside the home of Indo-Canadian artist AP Dhillon.

The 26-year-old Winnipeg resident pleaded guilty to charges of arson and reckless discharge of a firearm, following an attack that took place on September 2, 2024, in Colwood, British Columbia. The incident involved multiple gunshots and the torching of two vehicles parked near Dhillon’s residence. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

The sentencing, which came in late September, follows weeks after Kingra admitted to his crimes. The case took on greater significance after Canadian authorities recently declared Lawrence Bishnoi a “foreign terrorist entity,” in light of rising concerns over his network’s global criminal operations.

Investigators revealed that Kingra acted under direction from individuals believed to be connected to Bishnoi’s network. Another suspect in the case, Vikram Sharma, is currently wanted and is suspected to have fled to India. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

While the exact motive remains under investigation, reports suggest that the attack may have been linked to AP Dhillon’s association with actor Salman Khan, a long-time target of Bishnoi's gang. Police suspect the act was meant as a warning or retaliation.

Following the incident, Canadian law enforcement agencies, including anti-gang task forces, intensified surveillance and action against organized crime groups with overseas links. The arrest and conviction of Kingra is being viewed as a critical breakthrough in efforts to clamp down on cross-border gang activity that’s increasingly spilling into immigrant communities.

The sentencing underscores the growing footprint of South Asian criminal networks in Canada, and the challenge authorities face in disrupting their activities, especially as they exploit diaspora connections and operate in the shadows of legitimate communities.