Ottaw/New York, May 4
Canadian authorities have arrested three Indian nationals in connection with the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. The arrests were made by the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT), with assistance from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Edmonton Police Service.
Karan Brar, 22, Kamalpreet Singh, 22, and Karanpreet Singh, 28, all residing in Edmonton, have been charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Investigators believe they are members of an alleged hit squad tasked by the government of India with Nijjar’s killing outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023.
Superintendent Mandeep Mooker, Officer in Charge of IHIT, stated that the investigation is ongoing, with efforts to identify and arrest other individuals involved in the homicide. However, Royal Canadian Mounted Police Assistant Commissioner David Teboul emphasized that the nature of evidence collected and the motive behind the murder cannot be disclosed at this time.
The arrests come amid strained relations between India and Canada following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations of Indian involvement in Nijjar’s killing. India has dismissed these allegations as “absurd” and “motivated.”
The suspects, who entered Canada on student visas, are believed to have been working at the direction of Indian intelligence. The investigation also explores possible links to three additional murders in Canada, including the shooting death of an 11-year-old boy in Edmonton.
Canada’s Public Safety Minister Dominic Leblanc declined to confirm any connection to the Indian government, deferring such questions to the RCMP. Meanwhile, India has protested against pro-Khalistan slogans raised at an event attended by Trudeau, emphasizing its concerns about separatist elements in Canada.
The case underscores ongoing tensions between the two nations, with India previously suspending visa issuance to Canadian citizens following Trudeau’s allegations. However, visa services were later resumed, indicating efforts to restore diplomatic ties amid the sensitive issue.
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