On January 1, 2024, the Indian government declared gangster Goldy Brar a designated terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) . Brar is the mastermind behind the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala . The UAPA is an Indian law that allows the government to designate individuals as terrorists and detain them without trial for up to six monthsย
Goldy Brarโs Criminal History
- Brarโs name also came up in the Sidhu Moosewala murder case .
- He is said to be close to Lawrence Bishnoi .
- The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has also named him in two cases registered in connection with the terror gangster network .
- Brar is an active member of the Bishnoi gang, running all operations at the behest of jailed gangster .
Brar was only limited to local gang rivalries while in Punjab. After moving to Canada in 2019, he swiftly climbed the crime ladder and is now wanted for murder, criminal conspiracy, supply of illegal firearms, and attempt to murder charges in more than 20 cases in Punjab alone . He is also on India and Canadaโs most wanted listsย
NIAโs Charge Sheet
The NIA has filed a fresh charge sheet against jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar, the alleged masterminds in the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, and a dozen others, charging them with criminal conspiracy to unleash a wave of terror and carry out targeted killings of high-profile people . The prosecution complaint has been filed against these gangsters who, the federal anti-terror agency said, had โlinksโ with the proscribed Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and several other pro-Khalistan terrorist outfits .
The Lawrence Bishnoi terror-crime-extortion syndicate was also responsible for providing killers for the RPG attack case on Punjab state intelligence headquarters at Mohali, which was carried out on directions of Harwinder Singh alias Rinda, a Pakistan-based BKI terrorist . Brar was found to have โdirect linksโ with Lakhbir Singh alias Landa, another BKI operative working closely with Rinda .
Details from the Times of India Report:
Looking Ahead
The decision to declare Goldy Brar a terrorist marks a significant development in Indiaโs fight against organized crime and terror activities. However, it also highlights the need for a balanced approach that upholds civil liberties while effectively combating security threats. As the case unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor its impact on Brar, the Bishnoi gang, and Indiaโs broader security landscape
Implications for Brar and the Bishnoi Gang
The UAPA designation carries significant consequences for Brar. His assets in India can be frozen, he faces potential arrest and extradition, and any association with him could be deemed a terror offense. This move also puts the Bishnoi gang under increased scrutiny, potentially hampering their operations and recruitment efforts.
Border Issues:
Goldy Brarโs case prompts a reflection on broader issues surrounding the efficacy and potential misuse of anti-terror laws. While such laws are essential for safeguarding national security, concerns about their misuse and the impact on civil liberties have been raised. Striking a balance between protecting the nation from security threats and ensuring individual rights remains an ongoing challenge for legal systems globally