The RCMP’s allegations that India’s diplomats stationed in Canada are linked to serious, violent criminal activity — including killings, extortions and death threats across Canada — add a striking dimension to the underworld concept of an “untouchable” crime boss.

According to an extraordinary public briefing by senior RCMP officials, last year’s murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, an outspoken Canadian Sikh separatist shot dead in Surrey, B.C. — sparking a diplomatic row when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly accused India of involvement in the killing — was not an isolated incident or unexpected overreach by Indian officials or supporters.