The United States has charged Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar, along with 36 others, for their alleged involvement in the 2023 killing of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

The charges are part of a broader operation called 'Operation Hard Ball,' which targets India-based transnational crime groups engaged in racketeering, drug smuggling, and targeted killings.

Bishnoi, currently jailed in Delhi, is accused of orchestrating the murder outside a gurdwara in Surrey, Canada, while Brar, a designated terrorist under India's Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, remains at large.The U.S.Attorney’s Office highlighted the seizure of 1,000 kg of cocaine, 1 kg of heroin, and firearms during the investigation.Over 24 suspects were arrested across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, with seven already in custody.

The case has strained India-Canada relations after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau initially linked the murder to Indian agents, which New Delhi denied.The operation underscores international efforts to dismantle criminal networks impacting the Indian diaspora.