The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has apprehended the suspected hitmen accused of assassinating B.C. Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Three Indian nationals, Karanpreet Singh, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karan Brar, have been charged with murder and conspiracy in connection with Nijjar’s killing. The arrests come almost a year after Nijjar was fatally shot at the Guru Nanak Sikh Temple in Surrey, B.C. The suspects, who entered Canada on student visas, are believed to have been operating under the direction of Indian intelligence.
The investigation into Nijjar’s murder remains active, with authorities looking into potential connections to the government of India. This case has raised concerns about the relationship between the Indian government and criminal elements, particularly in light of allegations suggesting a strategy to eliminate leaders of the Khalistan movement, which advocates for independence for Punjab state’s Sikh-majority population.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau previously alluded to possible links between Nijjar’s killing and Indian agents, leading to diplomatic tensions between Canada and India. The RCMP investigation is exploring whether Nijjar’s assassination was part of an Indian intelligence operation targeting Khalistan advocates abroad.
The alleged involvement of India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), its foreign intelligence service, has prompted scrutiny of India’s actions and motivations. Despite the challenges posed by diplomatic immunity for foreign officials, Canada is considering legal avenues to address the violation of its sovereignty and international law.
The arrests mark a significant development in the case, shedding light on the complex dynamics surrounding transnational repression and the pursuit of political objectives beyond national borders.