Toronto, Canada – Three Indian nationals have been arrested and charged in connection with the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. The killing, which occurred last June in a Vancouver suburb, has led to a major diplomatic dispute between the two countries.
The suspects, identified as Karan Brar, Kamal Preet Singh, and Karan Preet Singh, were apprehended in Edmonton, Alberta. They face charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Authorities have indicated that the investigation is ongoing and are exploring potential links to the government of India.
Superintendent Mandeep Mooker announced the arrests, revealing that all three suspects had been living in Canada for several years. The investigation, which has involved collaboration with Indian authorities, has faced challenges but is making progress in uncovering potential motives and additional perpetrators.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar was a prominent Sikh separatist leader who advocated for the creation of an independent Sikh homeland in Punjab, India. His assassination at a Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey last year shocked the community and raised concerns about his safety, as he had reportedly received threats prior to his death.
The allegations of India’s involvement in Nijjar’s murder have escalated tensions between Canada and India. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s claims of potential links between the Indian state and the killing have been staunchly denied by Indian officials, prompting further scrutiny and demands for evidence.
Despite the arrests of the three Indian nationals, authorities are continuing their investigation to determine if others were involved in the assassination. The case remains complex, with implications for diplomacy and national security, as both countries navigate the aftermath of this high-profile crime.
Members of the Sikh community have expressed gratitude for progress in the investigation but also voiced concerns about public safety and lingering tensions. As the case unfolds, there is a mix of hope, frustration, and uncertainty surrounding the motives and implications of Nijjar’s tragic death.