The Union Home Ministry had raised concerns about the gangster-terror nexus, prompting the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to investigate. While the NIA targeted key figures in this network, Indian Intelligence agencies are now alarmed by the emergence of copycat actors imitating major gangsters. These individuals, operating independently but using the names of established gangsters, have become a security challenge.
The gangster network, based in Canada, has been orchestrating activities in India, particularly in Punjab. Notably, the Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar gangs have drawn attention from both Indian and Canadian authorities due to their significant security implications. However, recent investigations reveal that some gangsters are operating autonomously, engaging in extortion under the guise of prominent names.
Described as copycat actors by authorities, these individuals pose a significant headache for security agencies. Investigations in both India and Canada have shown that many of these actors have no direct affiliations with major criminal networks. Unlike established gangs, these actors are not linked to terrorist groups, unlike the Khalistan terror outfits that collaborate closely with larger networks.
An Intelligence Bureau official highlighted that prominent gangsters like Brar have instilled a climate of fear, often boasting about criminal activities on social media to intimidate the public. Exploiting this fear, smaller criminal groups and copycat actors leverage the reputation of major gangs to engage in petty criminal activities for financial gain. These actors lack the structured operations of major gangs, making investigations into their activities challenging.
