Canadian Court Sentences Associate of Lawrence Bishnoi Gang to Six Years for Firing Outside AP Dhillon’s Residence

Victoria, British Columbia — Days after the Canadian government formally designated gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s network as a “foreign terrorist entity,” a Canadian court has sentenced one of his alleged associates to six years in prison in connection with a shooting outside Punjabi singer AP Dhillon’s residence in Colwood last year.

The Supreme Court in Victoria handed down the sentence to 26-year-old Abjeet Kingra, a Winnipeg resident, who pleaded guilty in August and was formally sentenced in late September. According to Canadian media reports, Kingra admitted to charges of arson and recklessly discharging a firearm, both serious offences under Canadian criminal law.

The case stems from a September 2, 2024 incident when multiple shots were fired outside Dhillon’s home in Colwood, British Columbia. Two vehicles were also set on fire during the attack.

Following the incident, police arrested Kingra and charged him with discharging a firearm with intent and arson. Investigators also identified Vikram Sharma as another suspect; he is believed to have fled to India, and an arrest warrant has been issued in his name.

The attack was later claimed by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, with Canadian authorities also linking Rohit Godara, a known Bishnoi associate, to the case. Some reports suggest the motive was tied to Dhillon’s collaboration with Bollywood actor Salman Khan in a music video—an association the gang allegedly considered provocative.

The sentencing comes amid heightened scrutiny of transnational organized crime and follows Canada’s recent move to classify the Bishnoi gang as a terrorist organization, underscoring Ottawa’s determination to clamp down on violent criminal networks with international links.