A series of threatening incidents has left Dharmjit Mand and his family living in fear in Caledon, Ontario. Mand’s home and farm were shot at on November 25, 2025, followed by another shooting on December 11, despite moving to his brother’s house for safety. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are investigating the incidents, which began with intimidating WhatsApp messages and calls from a man claiming to be part of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The gang demanded $2 million from Mand, leading to escalating threats and violence.
The Bishnoi gang, labeled a terrorist organization by the Canadian government, has been targeting South Asian residents in various Canadian cities, including Caledon. There have been 41 reported incidents of extortion in Caledon since December 2023, with a similar modus operandi of threatening violence unless ransom is paid. Mayor Annette Groves has called on the federal government for assistance in addressing the escalating extortion activities in the town, citing a lack of resources to combat the issue.
The OPP has connected fourteen reported shootings in Caledon to extortion cases like Mand’s, leading to the arrest of five individuals with ongoing investigations. The latest incident involved a business being targeted multiple times, prompting the installation of CCTV cameras to aid law enforcement. Mayor Groves emphasized the urgent need for additional police resources in the area.
The Lawrence Bishnoi gang, originating from India, is suspected to be behind the extortion cases in Caledon, according to Canadian police sources. While the OPP acknowledges links to organized criminal groups, they refrain from naming specific gangs to avoid legitimizing them. Efforts to seek federal support have been met with invitations to anti-extortion summits, with hopes for tangible action to address the escalating criminal activities.
Despite residing in Caledon for a decade, Mand is considering relocating his family to the United States due to safety concerns. The lack of a commitment from the government to tackle the extortion issues has left residents like Mand feeling vulnerable and unprotected in their own community.
