New Delhi, India – Canadian authorities announced the arrest of three Indian suspects believed to be involved in the assassination of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar’s murder had sparked tensions between India and Canada, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accusing “Indian agents” of playing a role in the crime, a claim that India vehemently denied as baseless.
The three suspects, identified as Karan Brar, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karanpreet Singh, were residing as non-permanent residents in Alberta for several years, according to Superintendent Mandeep Mooker of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team. They have been charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Police revealed that the suspects had no prior criminal records and are investigating any potential connections they may have had with the Indian government. The investigation into Nijjar’s murder is described as “very much under active investigation” by Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Assistant Commissioner David Teboul.
Nijjar, a Canadian citizen wanted in India on terrorism charges, was fatally shot outside a gurdwara in Surrey on June 18, 2023. Trudeau’s accusations against India led to a diplomatic dispute between the two countries, resulting in the expulsion of diplomats.
Amidst the ongoing investigation, a new controversy arose when separatist slogans for ‘Khalistan’ were raised at an event attended by Trudeau. This prompted the Indian government to summon the Deputy High Commissioner and lodge a formal complaint.
India responded to Trudeau’s remarks by asserting that Canada’s tolerance for separatism and extremism not only strained bilateral relations but also posed a threat to Canadian society. Foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized the need to combat violence and criminal activities within Canada.