Canada Sikh Activist’s Murder: Three Arrested and Charged by Authorities
Three Indian nationals have been apprehended and formally accused in connection with the assassination of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. This incident ignited a significant diplomatic dispute between the two nations.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, aged 45, was fatally shot by masked assailants in a crowded parking lot in a Vancouver suburb last June. The situation escalated when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggested the potential involvement of the Indian government, a claim vehemently refuted by Delhi.
The arrests were disclosed by Superintendent Mandeep Mooker, identifying the suspects as Karan Brar (22), Kamal Preet Singh (22), and Karan Preet Singh (28), all residents of Edmonton, Alberta. They face charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder, according to court records. The trio had been residing in Canada for three to five years.
Furthermore, as Assistant Commissioner David Teboul stated, investigations are ongoing regarding potential links to the Indian government. Collaborative efforts with Indian authorities have encountered challenges over several years, complicating the probe.
While these arrests mark progress, authorities acknowledge the possibility of additional suspects and anticipate further arrests or charges in due course.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar was a prominent figure advocating for Khalistan, the envisioned independent Sikh state in India’s Punjab region. The assassination, occurring at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, elicited concerns for Nijjar’s safety, with reports suggesting prior warnings from Canadian intelligence regarding threats on his life.
The assassination prompted Trudeau’s remarks in the House of Commons, referencing “credible allegations” implicating the Indian state, a claim India vehemently denied. The ensuing diplomatic friction led to India’s request to reduce Canadian diplomatic personnel stationed in India.
Pressure mounts on Trudeau to substantiate his allegations against Delhi, underscoring the ongoing diplomatic tension between Canada and India amidst this high-profile investigation.
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