Overview
The recent arrest made by the Canadian Police in connection with the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar has raised significant questions and concerns. This development comes amidst strained diplomatic relations between India and Canada, following accusations made by Ottawa against New Delhi regarding Nijjar’s death.
Details of the Arrest
According to reports, the Canadian Police announced on Friday that they have apprehended individuals involved in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The authorities are currently investigating possible links between the suspects and three other killings in Canada, including the tragic murder of an 11-year-old boy in Edmonton.
Suspected Associates
The arrested individuals are believed to have connections with gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who is currently incarcerated in India for his alleged involvement in the plot to kill Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala.
Names of the Arrested
- Karanpreet Singh
- Kamalpreet Singh
- Karan Brar
These individuals are facing charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
India-Canada Relations
The arrest and subsequent developments have added strain to the diplomatic ties between India and Canada. While Ottawa accused New Delhi of Nijjar’s killing, India vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them as “baseless” and “absurd”. Nijjar, previously designated as a terrorist by the National Investigation Agency, was fatally shot outside a Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023.
Incident Details
Video footage of the incident, showing Nijjar being shot by armed assailants, surfaced online. The attack, described as highly coordinated, involved six individuals and two vehicles.
Pro-Khalistan Slogans Incident
Furthermore, the diplomatic rift between India and Canada was exacerbated when pro-Khalistan slogans were raised at an event attended by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other political figures in Toronto. The Government of India expressed deep concern over the incident, denouncing the promotion of separatism and extremism in Canada.
During the Khalsa Day celebrations in Toronto, loud chants of “Khalistan Zindabad” were heard as Trudeau and other leaders were present. The incident prompted India to summon the Canadian deputy high commissioner to convey its strong protest against the actions.
