Canadian authorities announced on Friday that three individuals believed to be part of an alleged hit squad responsible for the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar have been arrested.
The killing of Nijjar had previously sparked a diplomatic dispute between India and Canada, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggesting the involvement of “Indian agents” in the assassination — a claim that India vehemently denied as baseless and motivated.
The three arrested individuals — identified as Karan Brar (22), Kamalpreet Singh (22), and Karanpreet Singh (28) — were residing in Alberta as non-permanent residents for several years, according to Superintendent Mandeep Mooker, who leads the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team.
Court documents reveal that they have been charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Superintendent Mooker also noted that the suspects were not previously known to the police and investigators are actively exploring any potential connections they may have with the Indian government.
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During a press conference on Friday, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Assistant Commissioner David Teboul emphasised that the investigation into Nijjar’s murder remains ongoing and extensive. He stated, “There are separate and distinct investigations ongoing into these matters, certainly not limited to the involvement of the people arrested today, and these efforts include investigating connections to the government of India.”
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen wanted in India for various terrorism-related charges, was fatally shot outside a gurdwara in Surrey on June 18, 2023. Trudeau’s initial accusation against India triggered a significant diplomatic fallout between the two nations, resulting in the expulsion of diplomats from both sides later that year.
Recently, tensions reignited after separatist slogans advocating for ‘Khalistan’ were raised at an event attended by Trudeau, prompting India to summon the Deputy High Commissioner and issue a strong protest.
In response to Trudeau’s comments regarding Nijjar’s murder, India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal dismissed the remarks, stating that they highlighted Canada’s allowance of political space for separatism, extremism, and violence. Jaiswal further emphasized that such actions not only impact India-Canada relations but also contribute to fostering an environment of criminality and violence within Canada itself, to the detriment of its citizens.
The developments surrounding these arrests and the ongoing investigations underscore the complexities and sensitivities of diplomatic relations and counter-terrorism efforts between India and Canada.
