Three Indian nationals accused of murdering Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar made a virtual appearance in a British Columbia court, sparking demonstrations outside. The suspects, Karan Brar, 22, Karanpreet Singh, 28, and Kamalpreet Singh, 22, were arrested in Edmonton on Friday and face charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in connection with Nijjar’s killing last June. Nijjar, the president of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara, was shot dead while leaving the temple’s parking lot. He was a prominent advocate for an independent Sikh state in India, a position that drew condemnation from the Indian government, which labeled him a terrorist.
During the court appearance, Brar and Karanpreet Singh agreed to return to the Surrey court on May 21, while Kamalpreet Singh awaits a new hearing date as he seeks legal representation. Protesters outside the courthouse carried placards honoring Nijjar and waving the blue and yellow flags of the Sikh independence movement. Some displayed signs with the faces of the accused, bearing the slogan ‘Indian agents arrested.’
Police have indicated that investigations into potential involvement by the Indian government are still underway. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has stated that credible intelligence suggests India’s government may have been involved, an allegation that India has denied. The incident has strained relations between Canada and India, with ongoing concerns about possible foreign interference in Canadian affairs.
