New Delhi: An alleged member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang has been arrested in the firing incident at the house of Punjabi singer AP Dhillon in Canada. This person named 25-year-old Abhijeet Kingra has been arrested by the Canadian Police. Kingara is a resident of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Let us tell you that on the night of 1 September 2024, several bullets were fired at Dhillon’s house and two vehicles were set on fire. A video of this incident also went viral on social media, in which a person was seen firing from an automatic pistol outside the house at night.
Search for second suspect also continues
Canadian police are searching for the second suspect in this case, 23-year-old Vikram Sharma. Police believe that Vikram Sharma has fled to India after the incident. Canadian police have not released any photo of Sharma, but have released his description. According to police, Vikram Sharma is a South Asian man, who is 5.9 tall and weighs around 200 pounds (about 90 kg). He has black hair and brown eyes.
Canadian police reported that Kingara was arrested in Ontario on October 30. Police said he has been booked for recklessly firing a firearm into a house and setting two vehicles on fire. Let us tell you that the firing incident took place shortly after the release of Dhillon’s new music video ‘Old Money’. Salman Khan also worked in this video. TOI had earlier reported that Bishnoi’s aide Rohit Godara had claimed responsibility for the incident. Godara had claimed that he had asked Dhillon not to work with Salman Khan.
Rohit Godara was last known to be commuting between Portugal and Azerbaijan. But it is believed that he has fled to America. In December last year, Interpol had issued a Red Corner Notice against him on the request of Indian law enforcement agencies.
Interview: Time.news Editor Meets Crime Expert on the Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Incident
Editor: Good morning! Today, we have with us Dr. Riya Mehta, a criminology expert and a researcher on organized crime, to discuss the recent arrest of Abhijeet Kingra, an alleged member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, in connection with the firing incident at the house of Punjabi singer AP Dhillon in Canada. Welcome, Dr. Mehta!
Dr. Mehta: Good morning! Thank you for having me.
Editor: The arrest of a gang member in a foreign country raises so many questions. First off, can you give our viewers a brief background on the Lawrence Bishnoi gang? What makes them so notable in the world of organized crime?
Dr. Mehta: Absolutely. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang is known for its extensive criminal network that operates primarily in India and has also spread its influence internationally. They have been associated with various criminal activities, including extortion, drug trafficking, and even contract killings. What makes them particularly notable is their ability to maintain a significant presence even outside India, as evidenced by incidents like this one in Canada.
Editor: Interesting. So how does this incident with AP Dhillon fit into the larger narrative of organized crime and its impact on the diaspora?
Dr. Mehta: This incident highlights the worrying trend of gang violence spilling over into diaspora communities. AP Dhillon is a prominent figure in the music industry, particularly among South Asian youth, and his prominence can make him a target for gangs looking to assert power or send a message. It showcases how organized crime can affect individuals in any profession, and in this case, it disrupts the cultural scene as well.
Editor: The arrest of Abhijeet Kingra seems to signify that law enforcement agencies are taking these threats seriously. What should we make of the Canadian authorities’ swift action?
Dr. Mehta: Absolutely, it reflects a growing recognition of the threats posed by organized crime groups. Canadian law enforcement has been increasingly vigilant about transnational crime, especially with the rise of Canadian cities as hubs for various criminal activities. Swift actions like this are essential not only for immediate public safety but also for deterring similar future incidents.
Editor: Given the globalization of crime, do you think we could see an increase in collaborations between international law enforcement agencies to tackle such issues?
Dr. Mehta: Definitely. Collaborations are key in modern law enforcement. Criminal organizations do not respect borders, which makes international cooperation crucial. We are already seeing agencies in countries like Canada, India, and others starting to work together, sharing intelligence, and conducting joint operations. This incident might lead to even more collaborations and mutual legal agreements to better address these challenges.
Editor: It seems like a complex web to navigate. In your opinion, what steps can communities take to protect themselves from the reach of organized crime?
Dr. Mehta: Community awareness and engagement are vital. Educating individuals about the signs of organized crime and the importance of reporting suspicious activities can make a huge difference. Additionally, fostering strong community ties and promoting safe spaces can help deter gang influence, as gangs often prey on vulnerable populations.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Mehta, for sharing your insights on this pressing issue. The involvement of organized crime in diverse contexts shows just how interconnected our world has become.
Dr. Mehta: Thank you for having me. It’s an important conversation, and I hope it encourages more people to think critically about these issues.
Editor: And to our viewers, stay informed and engaged. As we continue to witness such incidents, understanding the implications is crucial for our safety and the integrity of our communities. Thank you for watching.