Brampton, Ontario – Peel Regional Police have arrested a 29-year-old man of Punjab origin in connection with a serious death threat made last month against Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown. The accused, identified as Kanwarjyot Singh Manoria, has been charged with uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, according to a statement released by Peel police.
The arrest was made on Tuesday following an investigation that traced the origin of the threatening communication directed at Mayor Brown. Authorities have not yet disclosed further details about the nature of the threat or any possible motive, but confirmed that the mayor’s safety had been adequately secured throughout the inquiry.
While this case is concerning on its own, it adds to a deeply troubling trend in Canada—particularly in provinces like Ontario and British Columbia—where an increasing number of individuals from Punjabi-origin communities are being implicated in serious crimes ranging from violent threats to drug trafficking, organised gang activity, and financial fraud. In fact, it appears that not a single day passes without some incident being reported involving members of the Punjabi diaspora, particularly young men who migrated to Canada over the past decade.
This alarming rise in criminal behaviour is fueling concern within both the law enforcement community and the broader South Asian population, especially among older immigrants and community leaders. Many believe this growing crisis is rooted in a complex mix of factors: cultural alienation, lack of proper integration support for international students and new immigrants, social pressure to maintain a lavish lifestyle, and in some cases, recruitment by organised crime networks operating across Canada and India.
Satnam Singh Chahal, Executive Director of the North American Punjabi Association (NAPA), commented on the arrest, saying, “It’s heartbreaking to see young individuals, many of whom came here with dreams of a better life, fall into this spiral of crime. This case involving a death threat against a public official shows how far things have deteriorated. We need urgent community-level intervention, stronger accountability, and serious re-evaluation of our student and migration systems.”
Community organisations are now calling for increased mental health support, mentorship programs for South Asian youth, and tighter scrutiny on student visa policies which many fear are being misused.As the case against Kanwarjyot Singh Manoria proceeds through the legal system, it serves as another grim reminder that without proactive measures, this cycle of crime may continue to tarnish the image of an otherwise hard-working and vibrant Punjabi community in Canada.
One recent case that underscores this trend is in Brampton, where three young men—aged between 20 and 34—have been arrested on extortion charges. They allegedly targeted local businesses with threats that caused considerable fear in the area.
These incidents reflect a broader pattern. A recent report revealed a spike in crimes like extortion, fraud, drug-related offenses, and organized shootings among Indo-Canadian youth. Those involved are usually not marginalized newcomers but second- or third-generation individuals—many from relatively stable homes.
This troubling trend demands an answer to the question: What’s pushing these young people toward criminal networks? It’s not simply about socioeconomic disadvantage. The reality appears more complex—rooted in identity disillusionment, societal pressures, and perhaps a longing for belonging that some find in gangs.
The response, therefore, must be multi-faceted. Law enforcement, yes—but also community outreach, mentorship programs, cultural reconnection, and open, honest dialogue about identity and purpose.