A Federal Court judge has overturned a decision that would have released an Indian national from immigration detention amid allegations that he is connected to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
Justice Phuong Ngo set aside earlier decisions by members of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) granting Karamveer Singh release from detention based on bonds offered by his sisters and brother-in-law.
The ruling followed an appeal brought on behalf of Canada’s Minister of Public Safety challenging the IRB’s decision. The judge also raised concerns about the source of the money being offered to secure Singh’s release.
According to the Federal Court ruling, Singh is an Indian citizen and foreign national who is wanted by Indian authorities in connection with a 2012 murder charge. The court said he is also alleged to be a member of the Bishnoi gang, which the Canadian government designated as a terrorist entity in September 2025.
Singh reportedly left India in 2019 after being released on bail in the murder case and travelled to the United States, where he sought asylum.
He later entered Canada in January 2025 and filed a refugee claim.
According to previous reporting cited in the case, Singh told the Canada Border Services Agency during a June 2025 interview that he feared returning to India because of his political views and activism in support of a separate Khalistan state. He also reportedly maintained that he feared being arrested in India on what he described as false murder charges.
Singh has remained in Canadian custody since April 2026 amid allegations of involvement in the extortion of Punjabi musicians.
Media reports have also cited an FBI report alleging that Singh ordered a September 2024 shooting and arson attack at the Colwood, British Columbia, home of Punjabi-Canadian music star AP Dhillon.
The allegations against Singh have not been proven in court. The Federal Court ruling means the previous IRB decisions granting his release from immigration detention have been set aside.
