Canadian immigration proceedings against an alleged member of the India-based Bishnoi gang were abruptly halted after authorities temporarily lost track of the suspect during a scheduled deportation hearing.
The case involving Indian national Abjeet Kingra was due to be heard before the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada on Thursday. However, just minutes into the proceedings, officials confirmed they were unable to locate him.
“Without knowing where he is, there’s not much else we can do,” the presiding member said before adjourning the hearing as per Global News.
The Canada Border Services Agency, which is seeking Kingra’s removal from the country, also indicated it did not have updated information on his whereabouts at the time.
However, a British Columbia court later confirmed that Kingra remained in custody and is awaiting trial over serious criminal charges, including an alleged shooting and arson incident at a Surrey home.
Kingra is among a number of foreign nationals under scrutiny as part of a broader crackdown on organised extortion networks operating across Canada, particularly in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario.
Authorities allege he was linked to the Bishnoi gang, which Canadian officials have tied to a wave of violent extortion activities targeting members of the South Asian community, including business owners and public figures.
He had earlier pleaded guilty to a high-profile attack on a residence connected to Punjabi singer AP Dhillon, where gunshots were fired and vehicles were set alight. He was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment.
Despite that conviction, Kingra now faces additional charges related to a separate incident in Surrey in August 2024, where he is accused of shooting at and setting fire to another property. He is scheduled to appear in court later this month.
The disruption to the deportation hearing has raised concerns about coordination between agencies, with local officials calling for greater accountability.
Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke said residents would expect “no confusion, no gaps, and no excuses” when dealing with individuals linked to serious organised crime.
Federal authorities say more than 370 foreign nationals have been identified through ongoing investigations into extortion networks, with dozens already removed from Canada.
The immigration board indicated that Kingra’s hearing is expected to resume once his location is formally confirmed, as investigations into his immigration status and alleged criminal links continue.
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