Toronto, Canada – Three Indian nationals have been apprehended and charged for their involvement in the assassination of a Sikh separatist leader in Canada, a case that stirred up significant tensions between the two nations.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a vocal advocate for Khalistan, was fatally shot by masked assailants in a crowded parking lot in a Vancouver suburb last June, sparking a diplomatic dispute when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau implied possible Indian government complicity.
The suspects, identified as Karan Brar, Kamal Preet Singh, and Karan Preet Singh, were arrested in Edmonton, Alberta, where they had been residing for three to five years. They face charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
While Canadian authorities continue their investigation, including potential connections to the Indian government, Assistant Commissioner David Teboul emphasized the complexity of the case and the possibility of additional arrests or charges in the future.
The killing of Mr. Nijjar, who advocated for an independent Sikh state in Punjab, India, reignited discussions about the protracted conflict between Sikhs and the Indian government, with accusations of terrorism against Mr. Nijjar and his supporters.
Members of the Sikh community expressed relief at the progress in the case but also voiced concerns about ongoing safety issues and lingering tensions. The investigation into Mr. Nijjar’s assassination remains a top priority for law enforcement, as they work to uncover all those responsible for the crime.
As the investigation unfolds, India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar emphasized the importance of cooperation between Canadian and Indian authorities, highlighting the need for transparency in sharing information about the arrested individuals and their alleged ties to criminal organizations.
The lingering controversy surrounding the murder of Mr. Nijjar underscores the deep-rooted political and social divisions within the Sikh community and reignites debates about the pursuit of an independent Sikh homeland, adding a layer of complexity to an already intricate geopolitical landscape.