Federal judge blocks release of man accused of murder, suspected Bishnoi gang ties

A Federal Court judge has blocked the release of an Indian national accused of murder and suspected of having ties to the Bishnoi gang, overturning an immigration board decision made in July.

Judge Phuong Ngo ruled on August 3 that the immigration board erred when approving Singh's release on conditions after relatives offered to post a bond. Ngo found the board's conclusions "were not justified or responsive to the critical evidence that was contradictory to the member's findings on the proposed bondsperson's credibility and suitability."

Singh has been in custody since April. He is alleged to have been involved in extortion of Punjabi musicians and is suspected of ordering the September 2024 shooting and arson at the Colwood home of music star AP Dhillon. The FBI provided Canadian authorities with a photo placing Singh alongside Anmol Bishnoi, brother of imprisoned gang founder Lawrence Bishnoi, who the Canadian government listed as a terrorist entity in September 2025.

Singh is a fugitive wanted by Indian authorities for a 2012 murder charge. He crossed into Canada illegally in January 2025 and attempted a refugee claim, which was denied based on an earlier failed asylum claim in the U.S. His wife and child are Canadian.

During the failed release bid, Singh's sister Harpawanjit Kaur Dhaliwal and brother-in-law offered to post $100,000, but the Canada Border Services Agency raised concerns about the source of the funds. A second sister, Navneen Kaur, offered $10,000, but faced similar scrutiny given she was unemployed at the time. Police have recommended charges of assault and robbery. The investigation is ongoing.