In a significant development in the investigation into the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the United States has for the first time named jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and fugitive Goldy Brar in a federal indictment, alleging that the duo ordered Nijjar's assassination in Canada in 2023.
Operation Hard Ball
The charges have been filed under Operation Hard Ball, a joint crackdown by law enforcement agencies from the United States, Canada and Europe against organised crime networks operating across international borders. The operation has so far led to charges against 37 people, while 24 accused have already been arrested. Authorities are also searching for 10 more suspects believed to be linked to the network.
Alleges by US Department of Justice
According to the US Department of Justice, Lawrence Bishnoi continued to run his criminal syndicate even while lodged in an Indian prison. Investigators claim he used smuggled mobile phones and internet-based calling (VoIP) devices to issue instructions related to murders, extortion, kidnappings, drug trafficking and human smuggling. The indictment alleges that Bishnoi and his close aide Goldy Brar directed the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey, Canada, on June 18, 2023. The US investigation also names several other alleged members of the criminal network, including jailed gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and Sukhraj Singh Kang. Besides the Bishnoi gang, authorities have also taken action against the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang and the Ravinder Singh Dhanda network, accusing them of involvement in murder, illegal arms trafficking, extortion and drug smuggling.
Investigators further claim the gangs relied on encrypted messaging platforms such as WhatsApp to threaten businessmen and collect extortion money. The indictment also alleges that drug trafficking and the theft of cocaine consignments from rival criminal groups were among the key sources of funding for the syndicate.
US indictment does not accuse India or its agencies
While the indictment has drawn global attention because of its connection to Nijjar's murder, an important detail is that the US has not accused the Government of India or any Indian agency. The charge sheet and accompanying press release make no reference to the Government of India, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), the National Investigation Agency (NIA), or any Indian government official. The allegations are directed only at the alleged criminal organisations and their members.
Can the US extradite Lawrence Bishnoi?
Following the charges, reports suggest the United States could seek the extradition of Lawrence Bishnoi and other accused currently lodged in Indian prisons.
However, under the India-US Extradition Treaty, India is not obligated to immediately hand over an accused who is already facing trial or serving a sentence in the country. The Indian government can choose to complete domestic legal proceedings first before taking a decision on extradition. If necessary, India can also temporarily transfer an accused to the US for trial and later bring them back after legal proceedings there conclude
India has approved extradition to the US before
India has previously extradited accused persons to the United States. One of the recent examples is Ganesh Shenoy, who was extradited in September 2025 in connection with a fatal road accident that took place in the US in 2005. After returning to India following the accident, Shenoy spent nearly two decades challenging the extradition request in Indian courts. Once all legal remedies were exhausted, the Indian government approved his extradition, allowing US authorities to prosecute him in the case.
