Canada’s decision to clear a senior border official, Sandeep Sidhu, of terrorism charges has raised serious concerns about the nation’s role in harboring criminals. Sidhu’s alleged ties to terrorist groups and his involvement in a high-profile murder have sparked international scrutiny, as Canada’s reputation as a safe haven for fugitives grows.
By PC Bureau
The recent decision by Canadian authorities to clear Sandeep ‘Sunny’ Singh Sidhu, a senior officer with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), of terrorism charges has once again spotlighted Canada’s growing reputation as a haven for criminals and fugitives from India. Sidhu, who had been under investigation for his alleged role in promoting terrorism and his involvement in the murder of a Shaurya Chakra awardee in Punjab, was cleared despite his links to the banned International Sikh Youth Federation and Khalistani terror networks.
With Sidhu’s case behind them, all eyes are now on Arshdeep Singh Gill, also known as Arsh Dalla, a notorious gangster recently arrested and charged by Canadian police. Gill, linked to pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was killed in Surrey, British Columbia, last year, is viewed as a terrorist by India.
However, those allegations have yet to be tested in a Canadian court. Despite repeated requests from India for his extradition, Canadian authorities have not acted on those demands. Gill’s arrest, along with another suspect on October 28 for a shooting incident, further fuels concerns over Canada’s role in shielding individuals with serious criminal backgrounds.
Coming back to the case of Sidhu, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) reported that he was reinstated following a probe conducted by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). This decision comes despite Sidhu’s association with the banned International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), a group designated as a terrorist organization by India, and his links to Khalistani terror networks. According to India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA), Sidhu is also believed to have connections with Pakistan’s notorious Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
This case is not an isolated incident. Canada has increasingly become a refuge for high-profile criminals, including gangsters and Khalistani separatists, many of whom are on India’s most-wanted lists. Despite the Indian government’s repeated attempts to extradite these individuals to face justice, diplomatic and legal barriers often prevent their return.
As Canada continues to harbor individuals with serious criminal backgrounds, it raises important questions about the country’s role in international law enforcement and its relationship with nations like India. While Canada’s commitment to due process and individual rights is well-established, its growing reputation as a safe haven for criminals is becoming a matter of international concern.
Canada, often lauded as a sanctuary for those seeking refuge, has paradoxically become a haven for some of India’s most notorious criminals. Individuals linked to organized crime, terrorism, and separatist movements have found refuge in Canada, exploiting its lenient immigration policies and legal system. This has raised concerns about Canada’s role in international law enforcement and its commitment to combating global terrorism.
Here’s a look at some of the most wanted Indian criminals currently enjoying Canada’s hospitality:
Satinderjeet Singh ‘Goldy Brar’
Once a college dropout in Punjab, Satinderjeet Singh, alias Goldy Brar, is now a key figure in the underworld. Responsible for the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala and Dera Sacha Sauda follower Pardeep Singh, Brar is linked to over 20 criminal cases in India, including murder, criminal conspiracy, and arms smuggling. After fleeing to Canada in 2019, Brar quickly ascended the ranks of the criminal world, running extortion rackets and executing contract killings. He is an active member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, and his actions have earned him a place on Canada’s most-wanted list. Despite a Red Corner notice issued by Interpol, Brar was last reported to have relocated to the United States.
Lakhbir Singh ‘Landa’
A gangster-turned-terrorist, Lakhbir Singh, known as Landa, has been involved in several high-profile terrorist activities, including two rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) attacks in Punjab. Landa, a member of the pro-Khalistan Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), fled to Canada in 2017 and remains a key player in cross-border terror networks. Despite being wanted by Indian authorities for numerous murders, kidnappings, and attacks, he remains free in Canada. His name resurfaced in 2021 following his involvement in a double murder in Punjab. Landa’s activities have drawn attention to the growing nexus between gangsters and terrorist organizations operating from Canadian soil.
Arshdeep Singh ‘Arsh Dalla’
Arsh Dalla, a close aide of slain Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar, has been involved in terror activities, including extortion, contract killings, and targeted attacks. Designated as an ‘individual terrorist’ under India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Dalla fled to Canada in 2018 using a fraudulent passport. Since then, he has continued his criminal enterprises, including terror financing and drug smuggling. Dalla is facing 35 FIRs, with several cases linked to the KTF. He remains one of Canada’s most wanted fugitives, despite ongoing requests from Indian authorities for his extradition.
Ramandeep Singh ‘Raman Judge’
Another associate of the KTF, Raman Judge, has been implicated in multiple murders, including the killing of a Dera Sacha Sauda follower. Judge moved to Canada in 2017, and is believed to be operating out of British Columbia. With over 10 criminal cases to his name, Judge’s involvement in terror activities and the KTF’s operations has made him a significant figure in the ongoing conflict between pro-Khalistan groups and the Indian state. Despite being a proclaimed offender, Judge continues to evade justice in Canada.
Satnam Singh ‘Satta’
Satnam Singh, alias Satta, is a close associate of gangster Lakhbir Singh Landa. Known for his involvement in the RPG attack on the Sarhali police station in Punjab, Satta has been wanted for various serious offenses, including murder and kidnapping. After fleeing India for Canada in 2019, Satta’s criminal activity has continued unabated, with new cases of terror and violence linked to his name. His brother, also involved in criminal activities, remains in jail in India, but Satnam continues to operate freely from Canada.
These are just a few of the high-profile individuals who have taken refuge in Canada, evading Indian law enforcement. Despite repeated requests for extradition, Canadian authorities have been criticized for providing shelter to those involved in criminal enterprises, undermining efforts to bring them to justice. As Canada becomes an increasingly popular destination for fugitives on the run, questions remain about the country’s role in international crime and its commitment to combating global terrorism.
