Canadian authorities have apprehended and charged three individuals in connection with the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a figure designated as a terrorist by India. This development unfolds against the backdrop of ongoing investigations probing potential links to the Indian government.
According to court records detailed by Canadian news outlet CTV News, Karanpreet Singh (28), Kamalpreet Singh (22), and Karan Brar (22) are each facing charges, including first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder, pertaining to Nijjar’s demise.
India has consistently disavowed any involvement in Nijjar’s killing. In September 2023, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reiterated that the Indian government had informed Canada that actions such as the assassination of Nijjar were not congruent with Indian government policy.
During a press briefing, RCMP Assistant Commissioner David Teboul, who leads the Federal Policing Program in the Pacific Region, underscored the active nature of the ongoing investigation into Nijjar’s murder. While confirming the arrest and charging of the three suspects, Teboul refrained from divulging specific evidence or motives, emphasizing the meticulousness of the investigation.
Teboul also noted separate ongoing investigations, including potential connections to the Indian government. The allegations suggest that the conspiracy unfolded between May 1, 2023, and the day of Nijjar’s murder, spanning locations in both Surrey and Edmonton.
Scheduled updates on the case were announced by the BC RCMP and the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team for Friday.
Nijjar’s assassination strained diplomatic relations between Canada and India, particularly after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau disclosed intelligence investigations hinting at a possible link between the Indian government and the killing.
Public Safety Minister Dominic Leblanc refrained from confirming any connection to the Indian government, directing inquiries to the RCMP. He expressed confidence in Canada’s security apparatus and emphasized the RCMP’s thorough approach to such matters.
Nijjar, designated as a terrorist by India’s National Investigation Agency in 2020, was fatally shot outside a Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023. A video purportedly showing his killing emerged in March, depicting armed individuals executing what has been described as a ‘contract killing.’ Trudeau’s accusation against the Indian government concerning Nijjar’s assassination was denied by India, exacerbating diplomatic tensions.