In a recent incident that should have garnered headlines but was largely ignored by mainstream media, Calgary Police arrested two individuals at the Gurdwara Dashmesh, a prominent Sikh place of worship. The arrests followed a dramatic confrontation where an alleged extortionist pulled a gun after being chased by a crowd. While the immediate situation sounds like an isolated act of criminality, the context surrounding it suggests something much deeper, more insidious, and frankly alarming.
EXCLUSIVE: Victim of 'Extortion' Runs Immigration Firm, Deals in LMIAs
— Mocha Bezirgan 🇨🇦 (@BezirganMocha) October 7, 2024
Last week, Calgary Police arrested two individuals at Gurdwara Dashmesh, a Sikh place of worship in Calgary, following a confrontation with an alleged 'extortionist' who pulled his gun after being chased by a… pic.twitter.com/xLBDtxKbyO
At the center of this drama was the victim—a business owner operating an immigration firm dealing in Labor Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs). For those unfamiliar, LMIAs are documents that Canadian employers must obtain to hire foreign workers. However, this process has long been mired in controversy, with many LMIA-based businesses being accused of dubious practices, exploiting vulnerable immigrants, or even operating as fronts for extortion. That the victim was involved in such an industry raises questions about whether this incident was about more than just personal vendettas—it hints at a broader criminal ecosystem where immigration fraud, extortion, and extremist elements converge.
The Khalistan Nexus
Perhaps even more unsettling than the extortion attempt itself is the involvement of Khalistani elements in this story. Gurdwaras, which should be peaceful sanctuaries, in some Canadian gurdwaras, have become hotbeds of extremism and violence. As former Gurdwara Dashmesh attendee Bob Rai noted, this particular temple has garnered a reputation as a haven for “violent, extremist, terrorist-supporting ideologues.” According to Rai, some Gurdwaras are not just a religious space but also a hub for criminals, drug smugglers, and extortionists. When firearms are drawn inside places of worship, it signals that these religious spaces have been violated.
The involvement of Khalistani elements goes beyond speculation. A local journalist, Mocha Bezirgan, who reported on the incident was later assaulted by individuals linked to the movement. This pattern of violence is not new; those who dare criticize Khalistani factions often face threats, intimidation, or worse. Such actions suggest that Khalistan supporters are not merely engaging in political activism—they are enforcing a culture of fear that stifles free speech and undermines the rule of law.
Silence from the Authorities—and the Media
Despite the alarming nature of this incident, Calgary Police have yet to charge anyone with extortion. Even more troubling is the near-total silence from mainstream media outlets. One would think that a gunfight in a Gurdwara, with ties to immigration fraud and extremism, would dominate headlines. Instead, the story has been relegated to the fringes, only making it into local reports and online forums.
Dr. Paul Bullen, a political scientist with expertise in minority dynamics, attributes this silence to a mix of political correctness and fear. “Hate speech laws—and the Canadian sensibility that gives rise to them—play a role in why there is silence,” Bullen argues. He points to a general protectiveness towards immigrant communities, particularly the Sikh community, which can react strongly to criticism. The Canadian government’s commitment to multiculturalism, while well-intentioned, may be inadvertently enabling extremists to operate with impunity.
By failing to address these issues head-on, Canada risks fostering an environment where certain groups, under the guise of minority protection, can evade scrutiny. Khalistani elements, in particular, have mastered the art of wielding political influence while engaging in illegal activities. They exploit the fact that any criticism can be framed as racism or anti-immigrant bias, deterring honest public discourse.
A Systemic Problem
This incident is not just an isolated flashpoint of criminality; it is part of a broader pattern that needs urgent attention. The nexus of immigration fraud, extortion, and extremism is a dark undercurrent running through parts of the Sikh community in Canada, particularly those aligned with the Khalistan movement. While the majority of Sikhs in Canada are peaceful, law-abiding citizens, the presence of extremist factions casts a long shadow.
Canada’s immigration system, already vulnerable to exploitation, becomes a breeding ground for abuse when criminal networks and extremist ideologies take root. The use of LMIA-based immigration firms for extortion purposes is just one manifestation of a wider problem. Vulnerable immigrants, desperate for a chance at a better life, become easy prey for those willing to exploit them.
The Path Forward
Canada’s authorities need to take a harder stance on these intertwined issues. The Khalistan movement, while framed as a political cause, should not be given cover to operate unchecked in Canadian society. Any group—regardless of ethnic or religious background—that engages in criminal activity or fosters an environment of violence and fear must be held accountable.
Gurdwaras, too, need to be places of genuine worship and community, not breeding grounds for criminality. Sikh leaders must step up to confront extremism within their own ranks, or they risk seeing their community’s reputation further tarnished by the actions of a violent few.
Finally, Canada’s media must stop tiptoeing around these issues. The fear of being labeled as racist or anti-immigrant cannot be allowed to silence reporting on criminal activities. The public has a right to know when extortionists, extremists, and fraudsters are operating within their communities, regardless of their ethnic or religious background.
