Three Indian men were arrested in Canada and charged with the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, prompting a diplomatic dispute between India and Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had previously mentioned “credible allegations” of Indian involvement in Nijjar’s murder, while the Indian government denied any evidence being shared with them. The suspects were ordered to appear in court again on May 21 as the investigation continues.
India’s External Affairs Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal stated that Canada informed India about the arrest of the three Indian men charged with Nijjar’s murder, but denied any specific evidence or information being shared by Canadian authorities regarding Delhi’s involvement. Jaiswal accused Canada of providing shelter to individuals advocating violence against India and mentioned complaints to Canadian authorities regarding organized crime individuals being allowed entry and residency in Canada, with many pending extradition requests.
The killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar led to a diplomatic spat between India and Canada, with Trudeau’s comments of alleged Indian involvement being rejected by the Indian government. The three arrested Indian men in Canada, Kamalpreet Singh, Karan Brar, and Karanpreet Singh, have yet to seek any access to Indian diplomats. They appeared in court via video link and agreed to an English trial, with another court appearance scheduled for May 21. They were arrested in Edmonton, Alberta, and charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Canadian Mounted Police Superintendent Mandeep Mooker mentioned that the investigation into a potential connection between the suspects and India’s government was ongoing. The three men had been living in Canada as non-permanent residents, raising questions about their ties to India and the motive behind Nijjar’s murder. India’s diplomats in Canada have faced threats and obstruction in their duties, with discussions at the diplomatic level ongoing to address these issues and ensure justice in the case of Nijjar’s murder.
The arrest of the three Indian men in Canada and the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar have brought attention to the complex diplomatic relations between India and Canada. The lack of specific evidence or information shared by Canadian authorities regarding Indian involvement has led to tensions between the two countries. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen how the trial of the suspects will proceed and whether further details linking them to Nijjar’s murder or India’s government will emerge.
