May 4th 2024.
In a recent development, three Indian nationals have been arrested by Canadian police on suspicion of being members of a hit squad. This hit squad was reportedly tasked by the Indian government to kill Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey last year. This incident has caused a severe strain in the relations between India and Canada. It all began when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made allegations in September last year, claiming the involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar's assassination.
India has strongly denied these allegations and dismissed them as absurd and motivated. However, things took a serious turn when Royal Canadian Mounted Police Assistant Commissioner David Teboul announced that three people have been arrested and charged in connection with Nijjar's murder. He also mentioned that separate investigations are being carried out to determine any links to the Government of India.
During a press conference, Teboul emphasized that the murder investigation is still ongoing and that there are other investigations looking into possible ties with the Indian government. He also added that the murder remains a top priority for the police, as reported by The Toronto Star newspaper. Superintendent Mandeep Mooker, who leads the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team, also spoke at the press conference. He stated that the suspects had no previous criminal record and were not known to the police before the investigation into Nijjar's death.
The three suspects, identified as Karan Brar, Karanpreet Singh, and Kamalpreet Singh, were arrested in Edmonton. They are all in their twenties and have been living in Canada as non-permanent residents for the past three to five years. Mooker revealed that coordination with India has been challenging in recent years. He also acknowledged the support and cooperation of the Sikh community in the investigation. Mooker mentioned that without their bravery and courage, they would not have reached this point in the case.
According to court documents, the suspects are facing charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to murder in Nijjar's death. Nijjar, who was a Canadian citizen, was shot outside his gurdwara in Surrey, B.C. on June 18, 2023. Sources have revealed that the suspects entered Canada on student visas but were possibly working under the direction of Indian intelligence when they carried out the assassination.
When asked about the alleged involvement of the Indian government, Canada's Public Safety Minister Dominic Leblanc declined to confirm any connections. He stated that such questions should be addressed to the RCMP. Leblanc expressed confidence in the security apparatus of the Canadian government and the work of the RCMP and the Security Intelligence Service. He also added that the ongoing police operation confirms the seriousness with which the police are handling the matter.
The indictments against the suspects allege that the conspiracy took place in both Surrey and Edmonton between May 1, 2023, and the day of Nijjar's death. Sources close to the investigation have revealed that the police are actively looking into possible links to three other murders in Canada, including the shooting of an 11-year-old boy in Edmonton. The alleged hit squad members had different roles on the day of Nijjar's assassination, such as shooters, drivers, and spotters.
India has rejected the recent comments made by Prime Minister Trudeau on Nijjar's killing. They have stated that these remarks once again illustrate the political space given in Canada to separatism, extremism, and violence. Trudeau had addressed a Khalsa Day event in Toronto, which was attended by some pro-Khalistan supporters. On the sidelines of the event, he mentioned that Nijjar's killing created a problem and that he cannot ignore it.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in response to Trudeau's remarks, said that his comments only add to the existing problem in India-Canada relations. He also mentioned that such remarks encourage a climate of violence and criminality in Canada, which is detrimental to its own citizens. It is noteworthy that India had summoned the Canadian deputy high commissioner and lodged a strong protest against the raising of pro-Khalistan slogans at the event in the presence of Trudeau and other leaders.
India has repeatedly expressed its concerns to Canada about the space given to separatists, terrorists, and anti-India elements in that country. The Canadian government had temporarily suspended the issuance of visas to Indian citizens following Trudeau's allegations last year. However, the visa services were resumed a few weeks later. These incidents have led to a significant strain in the relations between the two countries. Canada also withdrew 41 diplomats and their family members from India as a response to India's request to downsize its diplomatic presence in Canada.
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