Online Desk: The Lawrence Bishnoi-Rohit Godara gang, claimed responsibility for the attack shortly afterward. Known for its alleged involvement in several high-profile cases, including the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala, the gang has issued threats against Dhillon in the past. The Bishnoi gang is also believed to have been responsible for a similar attack outside the home of Punjabi singer Gippy Grewal in Canada last year. The gang’s activities extend beyond Canada; in April, shots were reportedly fired outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s Mumbai residence on instructions allegedly from Anmol Bishnoi, Lawrence Bishnoi’s Canada-based brother.
AP Dhillon, celebrated for his unique fusion of 1980s synth-pop with Punjabi music, has gained global fame with hits like “Brown Munde,” “Dil Nu,” and “Insane.” His quick rise to fame has been underscored by significant international success, attracting a wide audience across cultures.
The incident comes amid tensions between Canada and India. In mid-October, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India’s government of “orchestrating violence” against Sikh separatists in Canada. He stated there are “ever clearer indications” that India violated Canadian sovereignty by targeting Sikh dissidents on its territory.
India has labeled Sikh separatists as “terrorists” and threats to national security, as they advocate for an independent homeland, Khalistan, carved from Indian territory. The insurgency during the 1980s and 1990s, including the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, resulted in tens of thousands of deaths. The riots followed the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards after she ordered security forces to storm the holiest Sikh temple to expel separatists.
Following Trudeau’s allegations, Canada expelled Indian diplomats, linking them to the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. In retaliation, India ordered the expulsion of Canadian diplomats. This diplomatic fallout highlights ongoing tensions between the two countries over India’s alleged targeting of Sikh separatists abroad.
Canada has also alleged that Indian Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah, an ally of PM Modi, had plotted against Sikh separatists on Canadian soil. The Washington Post reported that Canadian officials named Shah in a campaign targeting Sikhs in Canada. Canadian Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister David Morrison confirmed Shah’s involvement to the newspaper but offered no further evidence.