Vancouver: A deportation case linked to a high-profile attack on Punjabi singer AP Dhillon took an unexpected turn in Canada after authorities failed to produce the accused during a scheduled virtual hearing, forcing officials to abruptly suspend proceedings.
The individual at the centre of the case, Abjeet Kingra, is alleged to be associated with the network of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. Despite being in custody, officials were unable to confirm his whereabouts at the time of the hearing, prompting the Immigration and Refugee Board to halt the process.
“Without clarity on his location, the hearing cannot proceed,” an official reportedly stated before adjourning the matter indefinitely.
Custody Confusion Raises Questions
Authorities later acknowledged that Kingra had been moved between detention facilities, but crucial information about his transfer was not communicated to key agencies, including immigration officials. The lapse has raised serious concerns about coordination within Canada’s correctional and immigration systems.
Kingra is currently serving a prison sentence after pleading guilty to a violent attack in 2024 at a residence linked to Dhillon in British Columbia. The incident involved gunfire and arson, with vehicles set ablaze. Investigators say the attack was documented on a body camera and later circulated online to claim responsibility.
Alleged Gang Operations Under Scrutiny
The case has once again drawn attention to the operations of the Bishnoi syndicate, which has been under international scrutiny for its alleged involvement in extortion and targeted attacks on prominent figures in the Punjabi entertainment industry.
Canadian authorities have previously flagged the group as a serious security concern, citing its growing footprint among Indo-Canadian communities. Investigators believe the attack on Dhillon’s property was part of a wider network of intimidation tactics.
Legal Proceedings in Limbo
Kingra had entered Canada on a student visa that later expired. Following his conviction, deportation proceedings were initiated on grounds of criminal activity and alleged links to organised crime.
However, the unexpected disruption of the hearing has delayed the process, with no immediate timeline for resumption. Officials are now working to determine his exact location and ensure his presence in future proceedings.
The incident has also triggered calls for improved coordination between law enforcement and immigration bodies, as authorities attempt to prevent similar lapses in sensitive cases involving cross-border criminal networks.
