Wanted Canada to extradite Bishnoi gang members, India says on diplomatic controversy

India on Thursday rejected Canada’s serious allegations against New Delhi saying not a shred of evidence has been shared on any case.

It also questioned Canada for sitting over 26 extradition requests and also on 'requests to arrest' criminals by India.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said 26 extradition requests are pending with the Canadian side. Twenty-nine cases of ‘request to arrest’ are pending.

Jaiswal said Gurjit Singh, Gurpreet Singh, Gurjinder Singh, Lakhbir Singh Landa and Arsheep Singh Gill are among those sought by India. “These are gang members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, or other gangs. We have already shared information and requested them to take action.”

Jaiswal said no action had been taken by the Canadian side. "It is strange that the same people whom we have sought to be extradited are now being blamed by Canadians for criminal activities in Canada," Jaiswal added.

Shifting the blame onto India would not work, he said.

Jaiswal said he could not say why the extradition cases were pending.

“We have made our position very clear. Since September 2023 the Canadian government has not shared a shred of evidence. We reject baseless allegations against our diplomats," he added.