If you’re looking to understand Bindy Johal’s family—who they were, how they reacted to his criminal empire, and what happened to them after his murder in 1998—you’ve come to the right place.
You probably know Bindy Johal as Vancouver’s most infamous gangster of the 1990s, but behind his reputation was a working-class immigrant family who never sought the spotlight.
His story isn’t just about gang wars, assassinations, and drug trafficking—it’s also about the family he left behind, the shame they endured, and the questions that still surround them today.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔️ Who were Bindy Johal’s parents?
✔️ His relationship with his family before his death
✔️ What happened to his parents and siblings after his assassination?
Let’s dive in.
Who Were Bindy Johal’s Parents?
Bindy Johal was born on January 14, 1971, in Punjab, India. When he was just four years old, his family immigrated to Vancouver, Canada, settling in the South Asian community of East Vancouver.
His mother, Balbir Kaur Johal, worked as a secretary, helping support the family financially.
His father’s name remains undisclosed, but sources confirm that he worked long hours in a lumber mill—a common job for Punjabi immigrants in British Columbia.
Like many immigrant parents, they came to Canada in search of a better life, never imagining that their eldest son would become one of the most feared gangsters in the country.
Despite their efforts to keep Bindy in school and push him toward a professional career, his violent tendencies and defiance toward authority were evident from a young age.
Was Bindy Johal Close to His Parents?
No. While his mother and father were hardworking, law-abiding citizens, Bindy quickly distanced himself from them.
Even in his high school years, he was already associating with criminals, running small-time drug operations, and picking fights with older boys in his neighborhood.
His family was ashamed of his public behavior, especially when he started making TV appearances bragging about his criminal lifestyle.
According to reports, his parents tried to intervene, but Johal refused to listen.
“He was brilliant in school, but he was too arrogant. He didn’t respect anyone—not teachers, not the police, not even his own family.” – Former classmate
By his mid-20s, Johal was already running his own gang, going head-to-head with the Dosanjh brothers, and getting arrested for high-profile murders.
His mother and father withdrew from public life, refusing to speak to reporters about their son.
Bindy Johal’s Siblings: Brother & Sister
While Bindy Johal’s mother and father were known to the media, details about his siblings remain a mystery. Johal reportedly had a sister and a brother, but very little information is available about them. There are no public records of a younger or older brother, leading many to believe that Bindy was the only son.
His brother-in-law, Peter Gill, played a key role in Johal’s murder trial, but their relationship soured after Gill was convicted of jury tampering.
If Johal did have a sister, her identity remains unknown, and there is no evidence that she was involved in criminal activities.
The Tragic End: How Bindy Johal’s Death Affected His Family
On December 20, 1998, Bindy Johal was assassinated inside Palladium Nightclub in downtown Vancouver.
✔️ A single bullet to the back of his head ended his short but notorious reign as one of the most feared gangsters in Canada.
✔️ Despite the 365 people in the nightclub, no one saw anything.
✔️ His murder remains unsolved to this day.
The aftermath was devastating for the Johal family.
Did His Family Attend His Funeral?
Yes, but they kept a low profile. Read about the funeral here.
Bindy Johal’s funeral was held at a Sikh temple in Metro Vancouver, with his cremation taking place at Mountain View Cemetery.
His parents, Balbir Kaur Johal and his father, attended but did not speak publicly.
The event was heavily monitored by police, fearing retaliation from rival gangs.
His family never publicly spoke about his death, and within months, they disappeared from public life completely.
What Happened to Bindy Johal’s Family After His Death?
After Bindy Johal’s assassination, his parents and siblings vanished from the media.
There are no known records of where his mother and father live today.
His sister and other relatives have remained anonymous, likely to avoid further danger.
Unlike some gangsters’ families, the Johals never attempted to reclaim Bindy’s criminal empire.
Instead, they cut all ties to his past, choosing to live a life of anonymity rather than be remembered as the parents of a dead gangster.
The Legacy of Bindy Johal’s Family
The story of Bindy Johal’s family is one of lost potential, tragedy, and survival.
His parents came to Canada seeking a better life.
Johal's defiant nature and violent ambition led him down a dark path.
His death left his family in complete silence, disappearing from the public eye forever.
While Bindy Johal remains a legend in Vancouver’s criminal history, his family’s fate is a mystery, and perhaps, that’s exactly how they wanted it.
What Do You Think?
Do you believe Bindy Johal’s parents and siblings had any idea how far he would go?
Let us know in the comments.
Related reading:
Comments