Canadian authorities have apprehended three Indian nationals in relation to the assassination of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. However, the investigation is still ongoing, and it has been revealed that there are additional individuals involved in the homicide.
Karan Brar, 22, Kamalpreet Singh, 22, and Karanpreet Singh, 28, all Indian nationals residing in Edmonton, have been formally charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
According to investigators, these three individuals are believed to be part of an alleged hit squad assigned by the Indian government to carry out the killing of Nijjar, a 45-year-old Canadian citizen, outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023.
Superintendent Mandeep Mooker, the officer-in-charge of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team, emphasized that the investigation is far from over. They are fully aware that there are other individuals involved in this homicide, and their commitment remains unwavering in identifying and apprehending each one of them.
The arrest of the three suspects was executed by IHIT investigators on Friday morning, with the assistance of members from the British Columbia and Alberta Royal Canadian Mounted Police, as well as the Edmonton Police Service.
Assistant Commissioner David Teboul of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police stated that they are unable to provide any details regarding the evidence collected by the police or discuss the motive behind Nijjar’s murder.
However, it is important to note that there is significant and widespread public interest in understanding this situation. I must emphasize that this matter is still actively being investigated and today’s announcements do not provide a complete overview of the ongoing investigative work.
There are multiple separate investigations currently underway, which extend beyond the individuals who were arrested today. These investigations also involve examining potential connections to the government of India.
The relationship between India and Canada has faced significant strain due to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations last year regarding the possible involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Nijjar.
India has strongly refuted Trudeau’s claims, considering them to be baseless and driven by ulterior motives.
According to Teboul, three individuals have been apprehended and charged in relation to the murder of Sikh activist Nijjar.
Teboul emphasized that the investigation into this murder is still very much active and ongoing.
During the press conference, Superintendent Mandeep Mooker, who leads the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team, announced the release of photos of the accused men in order to gather more information for the investigation. Anyone who may have seen these individuals in or around Surrey prior to the homicide, or anyone with information about the case, is urged to contact IHIT.
Mooker stated that the suspects had no prior record with the police before the investigation into Nijjar’s death. He mentioned that all three individuals are Indian nationals who have been residing in Canada as non-permanent residents for the past three to five years. Mooker also highlighted the challenges faced in coordinating with India over the past few years. He emphasized the crucial role played by the Sikh community in supporting the investigation, expressing gratitude for their bravery and cooperation. The report indicated that the suspects entered Canada on student visas but might have been working under the direction of Indian intelligence during the incident involving Nijjar. Brar, as per court records, faces charges related to a murder in Surrey on June 18, 2023, as well as conspiracy to murder on May 1, 2023, in Edmonton and Surrey. When asked about the potential Indian government connection, Canada’s Public Safety Minister, Dominic Leblanc, deferred to the RCMP for such inquiries, expressing confidence in Canada’s security apparatus and the efforts of the RCMP and Canadian Security Intelligence Service.
The ongoing police operation today serves as confirmation that the RCMP takes these matters very seriously, as stated by the individual. However, any inquiries regarding specific connections or lack thereof should be directed to the RCMP. The indictments on Friday reveal that the conspiracy occurred in both Surrey and Edmonton between May 1, 2023, and the day of Nijjar’s murder. According to sources familiar with the investigation, the police are actively looking into potential links to three additional murders in Canada, one of which involves the tragic shooting of an 11-year-old boy in Edmonton. The alleged members of the hit squad are believed to have fulfilled various roles, including shooters, drivers, and spotters, during the incident at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia. These individuals were reportedly identified by investigators in Canada several months ago and have been closely monitored since then. In response to the raising of pro-Khalistan slogans at an event attended by Prime Minister Trudeau and other leaders, India summoned the Canadian deputy high commissioner and expressed a strong protest. Nijjar, who was a Khalistani separatist and wanted in India for multiple terrorism charges, was the target of the hit. In light of Trudeau’s accusations, India requested that Canada reduce its diplomatic presence in the country to ensure equality. Consequently, Canada withdrew 41 diplomats and their families from India. India has consistently emphasized its primary concern with Canada, which is the support given to separatists, terrorists, and anti-India elements within their borders. Following Trudeau’s allegations last year, India temporarily halted the issuance of visas to Canadian citizens, but visa services were resumed several weeks later.
