Three Indian nationals, Karan Brar, Kamal Preet Singh, and Karan Preet Singh, have been apprehended and charged in connection with the assassination of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. The incident, which occurred last June, ignited a diplomatic dispute between Canada and India, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggesting potential involvement of the Indian government, a claim vehemently denied by Delhi.
The suspects, all residing in Edmonton, Alberta, were arrested and face charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. They had been living in Canada for three to five years. Law enforcement officials indicated ongoing investigations into potential links to the government of India, acknowledging the complexities of collaborating with Indian authorities due to historical challenges.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar was known for advocating for Khalistan, the establishment of an independent Sikh homeland in India’s Punjab region. His assassination took place in a busy car park in a Vancouver suburb, prompting discussions about his activism and allegations of terrorism by Indian authorities, contested by his supporters. Nijjar had reportedly received threats prior to his death, with Canadian intelligence warning him of being on a “hit list.”