The recent tragic news regarding Darshan Singh Sahsi, an Indian-origin businessman allegedly killed in Canada by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, and his son speaking up, has deeply unsettled me. It forces us to confront the increasingly complex and borderless nature of modern crime, a phenomenon I have pondered for years.
This incident, as reported by Sumit Sharma in the Free Press Journal Who Was Darshan Singh Sahsi? Indian-Origin Businessman Allegedly Shot Dead By Lawrence Bishnoi Gang In Canada, highlights how criminal networks now operate across continents, blurring traditional notions of jurisdiction and sovereignty. I've previously reflected on how cyberspace is redefining the traditional concept of sovereignty, and how India’s security concerns are becoming global concerns Cyberspace Redefining the Traditional Concept of Sovereignty: Rajnath Singh. This unfortunate event underscores that evolution, demonstrating the real-world impact when organized crime leverages global interconnectedness.
The swift spread of information, and indeed, the very coordination of such criminal acts, often relies heavily on digital communication. This brings me back to a critical discussion I initiated years ago concerning the need for social media monitoring and surveillance, not as an invasion of privacy, but as a tool to pre-empt and combat anti-social activities. In my blog, "Social Media Hub? Where is the need?," I emphasized the crucial need for clarity of purpose and stringent safeguards when governments contemplate monitoring digital spaces. I questioned what constitutes an "anti-social activity" and stressed the necessity of a preamble to any surveillance initiative, ensuring it’s used for the benefit of citizens, not to harass them for differing beliefs. I had even cited Eric Schmidt and Jared Cohen, who, in "The New Digital Age," foresaw the emergence of industry-wide standards for identifying dangerous extremist content, including the potential use of speech and facial recognition software.
Reflecting further, in "Who watches the Watchmen?," I outlined a framework for surveillance of online and offline activities. I argued that any agency conducting surveillance should clearly state the type of activity, duration, and purpose – be it for combating criminal activity, militancy, or fraud. The core idea I wanted to convey then, and one that resonates deeply now, is that we need proactive, well-defined strategies to tackle these threats. I had already predicted the challenge of distinguishing between legitimate expression and genuine threats, and proposed a solution that balanced security needs with individual rights. Now, seeing how things have unfolded with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang operating internationally, it’s striking how relevant that earlier insight still is. I feel a sense of validation for those thoughts and a renewed urgency to revisit those earlier ideas, because they clearly hold immense value in addressing the current context of transnational organized crime.
This incident serves as a stark reminder that while the digital age connects us, it also provides new avenues for nefarious activities. We must continue to seek thoughtful, ethical, and effective strategies that empower authorities to combat organized crime without infringing upon the fundamental rights of law-abiding citizens. The balance is delicate, but essential for our collective safety and freedom.
Regards,
Hemen Parekh
Of course, if you wish, you can debate this topic with my Virtual Avatar at : hemenparekh.ai
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