Deportation order issued to Indian national convicted in 2024 attack on musician's home
An Immigration and Refugee Board member ordered the removal of a 26-year-old Indian national serving a six-year sentence for arson and firearms offenses tied to a September 2024 attack on a Victoria-area residence. The individual plans to appeal the order to Federal Court.
A member of Canada's Immigration and Refugee Board issued a deportation order Monday to an Indian national convicted of carrying out an arson and shooting attack at the Victoria-area home of Punjabi musician AP Dhillon. The board member told the individual that his role in firing 14 rounds into the house and setting vehicles on fire helped the Bishnoi gang establish a presence in communities from Ontario to British Columbia.
The order cited the high-profile nature of the offenses, which were filmed and shared online.
Background of the case The 26-year-old, who entered Canada in 2018 on a study permit, is currently serving a six-year sentence after pleading guilty last fall to arson and firearms charges related to the September 2024 incident. He told the board he intends to appeal the deportation order.
The individual stated he was offered payment to participate in the attack and claimed he was told the house would be empty. Court records show the musician was not home, but a roommate was present when two vehicles were set on fire and shots were fired.
Gang designation and prior incidents The federal government listed the Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity last year. The gang is described as originating in Punjab, India, and operating in drug smuggling and extortion. The same individual and a co-accused also face charges in connection with a separate arson and shooting at a Surrey residence that occurred before the Vancouver Island case.
