Ottawa: Canadian authorities, who apprehended three Indian nationals regarding the assassination of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, expressed that their inquiry remains ongoing and “others” participated in the crime.
Karan Brar, 22, Kamalpreet Singh, 22, and Karanpreet Singh, 28, all Indian nationals domiciled in Edmonton, face charges of premeditated murder and collusion to perpetrate murder.
The trio is believed by investigators to constitute part of an alleged clandestine squad commissioned by the Indian government to execute Nijjar, 45, outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023. He held Canadian citizenship. The investigation extends beyond this juncture. We acknowledge the involvement of other parties in this criminal act and remain steadfast in identifying and apprehending each culpable individual, Superintendent Mandeep Mooker, Officer in Charge of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT), declared.
The three individuals were detained for Nijjar’s homicide on Friday morning by IHIT agents, with support from members of the British Columbia and Alberta Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Edmonton Police Service. Royal Canadian Mounted Police Assistant Commissioner David Teboul stated that they are unable to comment on the nature of the evidence gathered by law enforcement nor disclose the motive behind Nijjar’s slaying.
Nevertheless, recognizing the significant and wide-ranging public interest in this matter, I must emphasize that this case is actively under investigation. I reiterate that the current disclosures do not provide a comprehensive overview of the ongoing investigative endeavors.
“Separate and distinct investigations into these matters are underway, including but not limited to the involvement of the individuals arrested today, and these inquiries encompass probing potential links to the Government of India. Relations between India and Canada strained considerably subsequent to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s insinuations in September of last year regarding the purported involvement of Indian operatives in Nijjar’s demise.
India has rebuffed Trudeau’s allegations as “preposterous” and “agenda-driven.” Teboul affirmed that three individuals have been apprehended and charged in connection with the slaying of Sikh advocate Nijjar. Teboul underscored that the homicide remains “actively under investigation.”
During the press briefing, Superintendent Mandeep Mooker, who spearheads the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team, divulged, “IHIT is releasing visual documentation of the accused men with the aim of advancing its investigative efforts. Individuals who may have encountered these suspects in or around Surrey in the weeks preceding the homicide, or those possessing information pertinent to the case, are urged to contact IHIT.
He disclosed that the suspects were “not previously known to law enforcement” prior to the inquiry into Nijjar’s demise, as per reports. Mooker stated that all three are Indian nationals and have been residing in Canada as temporary residents for the past three to five years. He acknowledged that coordinating with India has been “arduous and quite challenging for several years.”
Mooker highlighted that his inquiry has depended on the support of the Sikh community. “We would not have reached this juncture without the valor and fortitude of the Sikh community stepping forward with pertinent information for this investigation,” he affirmed, expressing confidence that they will continue to provide assistance in future investigations, as per the report.
Citing insider sources, a report by Global News suggested that the suspects entered Canada on student visas but potentially were acting at the behest of Indian intelligence when they targeted Nijjar. According to court documents, Brar faces charges relating to a homicide in Surrey on June 18, 2023. He also stands accused of conspiracy to commit murder on May 1, 2023, in Edmonton and Surrey, the report indicated.
In discussions with journalists, Canada’s Public Safety Minister Dominic Leblanc refrained from confirming any connection to the Indian government, asserting that such inquiries are best directed to the RCMP. “I have full confidence in the security mechanisms of the Canadian government and the efforts of the RCMP, as well as the activities of the (Canadian) Security Intelligence Service,” Leblanc remarked.
“I believe the ongoing police operation underscores the seriousness with which the RCMP approach these matters. However, inquiries regarding specific connections or lack thereof should be directed to the RCMP,” he appended. The indictments issued on Friday allege that the conspiracy transpired in both Surrey and Edmonton between May 1, 2023, and the date of Nijjar’s slaying.
Quoting informants close to the investigation, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) reported that authorities are actively exploring potential links to three additional homicides in Canada, including the fatal shooting of an 11-year-old boy in Edmonton. Members of the alleged clandestine squad purportedly assumed diverse roles as shooters, drivers, and lookouts on the day Nijjar was gunned down at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, according to insider sources.
Sources indicated that investigators had identified the suspected squad members in Canada several months prior and had been subjecting them to extensive surveillance. India summoned the Canadian deputy high commissioner on Monday and lodged a vehement protest over the chanting of pro-Khalistan slogans at an event attended by Prime Minister Trudeau and various other leaders.
Nijjar was a proponent of Khalistani separatism and faced multiple terrorism charges in India. In the aftermath of Trudeau’s accusations, India urged Ottawa to downscale its diplomatic presence in the country to ensure parity. Consequently, Canada withdrew 41 diplomats and their families from India.
India has consistently asserted that its principal concern with Canada revolves around the accommodation of separatists, terrorists, and anti-India elements in that nation. Following Trudeau’s accusations last year, India temporarily suspended visa issuance to Canadian citizens. Visa services resumed several weeks later.