Three Indian nationals have been apprehended by Canadian authorities in connection with the assassination of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police identified the individuals as Karanpreet Singh, 28, Kamalpreet Singh, 22, and Karan Brar, 22. Speculation has arisen regarding potential ties between the suspects and the Indian government, as reported by Reuters.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar was fatally shot outside a Sikh temple in Surrey in June 2023, sparking a high-profile investigation. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau previously hinted at evidence implicating Indian government involvement, straining diplomatic relations between Canada and India. The presence of Sikh separatist groups in Canada has long been a source of contention for Indian authorities, who labeled Nijjar as a “terrorist” in 2020.
Assistant RCMP Commissioner David Teboul emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing, with further detentions anticipated. Collaboration with US law enforcement agencies facilitated the apprehension of the three suspects. Recent remarks from the White House expressed concern over reported Indian intelligence involvement in assassination plots within Canada and the United States.
The arrests took place in Edmonton, Alberta, with the individuals set to be transferred to British Columbia by Monday. Canada has urged India to cooperate in the investigation into Nijjar’s murder, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration in combating transnational crimes.
In a related development, US authorities disclosed details of an attempted assassination plot targeting Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Sikh separatist with dual US-Canadian citizenship. Indian national Nikhil Gupta was charged in connection with this plot, accused of collaborating with an Indian government employee to orchestrate Pannun’s assassination.
While India vehemently denied involvement in Nijjar’s murder, citing his alleged ties to terrorism, tensions remain high. Nijjar, a Canadian citizen of Indian origin, was a prominent advocate for Khalistan, an independent Sikh homeland. His assassination underscores the complexities of international relations and the ongoing challenges posed by extremist movements.
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