Three Indian nationals have been arrested by Canadian police in connection with the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. The 45-year-old Nijjar was shot dead by masked gunmen in a busy car park in a Vancouver suburb last June.
The suspects, identified as Karan Brar, 22, Kamal Preet Singh, 22, and Karan Preet Singh, 28, were apprehended in Edmonton, Alberta. They have been charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder, according to Superintendent Mandeep Mooker.
Authorities revealed that investigations are ongoing, including looking into possible connections to the government of India. Assistant Commissioner David Teboul stated, “There are separate and distinct investigations ongoing into these matters, certainly not limited to the involvement of the people arrested.”
The killing of Nijjar had sparked a diplomatic dispute between Canada and India, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggesting that the Indian government may have been involved. However, India vehemently denied the allegation.
Notably, Nijjar was designated a terrorist by the National Investigation Agency in 2020. The recent arrests come after India summoned the Canadian deputy high commissioner over the chanting of pro-Khalistan slogans at an event in Toronto attended by Trudeau and other political leaders.
The Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep concern over the incident, stating, “This illustrates once again the political space that has been given in Canada to separatism, extremism, and violence.” Trudeau and opposition leader Pierre Poilievre were present at the Khalsa Day celebrations where the controversial slogans were raised.