A 25-year-old individual, hired to intimidate Punjabi singer AP Dhillon on behalf of the Bishnoi gang, arrived in Canada four years ago on a student visa, as per court documents obtained by CBC News. The judge who recently sentenced Abjeet Kingra for a violent attack on the musician’s British Columbia residence in September 2024 mentioned that Kingra faced challenges in school and the job market in Canada, leading him to take on the contract to meet his family’s financial needs back home.
Judge Lisa Mrozinski, during the sentencing, highlighted that Kingra was sentenced to six years in prison for arson and a firearms-related offense. This incident involved Kingra and another individual setting fire to vehicles in Dhillon’s driveway and firing multiple shots into his house. Following the attack, the suspects evaded a police officer during a traffic stop, with Kingra later being apprehended in Ontario while his accomplice, Vikram Sharma, is believed to be in India.
Mrozinski described Kingra’s actions as “bizarre” and noted that he recorded the entire event on a body camera. The judge emphasized that the footage, resembling a scene from a movie or video game, was swiftly shared online by the Bishnoi group, taking responsibility for the crime on an international platform.
The case sheds light on the Bishnoi gang, recently designated as a terrorist entity by the Canadian government. This criminal syndicate, originating from Punjab and Haryana in northern India, has expanded its operations to North America, with its activities driven by a mix of traditional codes of honor, modern business practices, and political motives.
AP Dhillon, a renowned singer and producer, who recently won the Juno Awards’ South Asian Music Recording of the Year, was targeted by the Bishnoi gang due to his association with individuals at odds with the organization. The attack was meticulously planned, with surveillance footage showing the suspects scouting the area before carrying out the violent acts.
Despite being portrayed as a follower in the criminal scheme, Kingra played a significant role in executing the attack, aiming to instill fear and terrorize the residents. The judge highlighted that the offenses were orchestrated on behalf of an international criminal organization and were intended to intimidate the victim.
Following the incident, Kingra’s hopes of completing his studies, securing a job, and potentially obtaining permanent residency in Canada have been dashed. His student visa is nearing expiration, and he faces deportation due to his criminal convictions. Kingra, who has been in custody since last October, received a six-year sentence for discharging a firearm into Dhillon’s home and an additional two years for arson. The concurrent sentences mean he will serve a total of four years and eight months after factoring in time already spent in custody.
