Amidst rising diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, Goldy Brar, a notorious ‘category-A’ gangster from Punjab and the prime suspect in the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, has emerged as a central figure of controversy. Following Moosewala’s tragic death in May 2022, the Punjab Police, through the Indian government, shared Goldy’s precise location in Canada. However, their efforts were met with an underwhelming response from Canadian security agencies, sparking a wave of discontent among Indian authorities.
Now, Punjab Police officials are raising concerns about Canada’s seemingly contradictory stance. On one hand, Goldy was removed from Canada’s ‘most wanted list,’ while on the other, he, along with his accomplice Lawrence Bishnoi, were accused of orchestrating the June 2023 murder of pro-Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, Canada. This blatant inconsistency has fueled speculation that Goldy could be under the protection of some Canadian agency or group, operating with impunity within their borders.
Sanjay Verma, India’s former High Commissioner to Canada, has shed light on this perplexing situation, further escalating tensions. In a recent interview, Verma confirmed that Goldy had been residing in Canada and was placed on the wanted list at India’s request. His sudden disappearance from the list has raised serious questions, fueling suspicion that he either received protection or is being shielded from justice. Verma emphasized that India had shared the names of both Goldy and Bishnoi with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, highlighting that Canada’s claim of ignorance regarding their activities was simply untenable.
Punjab Police officials have corroborated Verma’s claims, providing further evidence of Goldy’s presence in Canada. According to a police official, Goldy was allegedly on a video call with Sandeep (alias Kekra), receiving real-time updates on Moosewala’s movements minutes before his murder on May 29th. The Punjab Police traced the IP address of this video call to Canada, sharing it with Canadian authorities. They also provided details of Goldy’s student visa, which allowed him to enter Canada on March 17, 2017. The police insist that if Goldy had indeed left Canada, Canadian authorities should be able to track his movements, given the information they were provided.
This case exposes a disturbing pattern of inaction and indifference on the part of Canadian authorities, raising serious concerns about their commitment to international cooperation in combating transnational crime. As the diplomatic tensions between India and Canada continue to escalate, the fate of Goldy Brar and the pursuit of justice in the tragic murder of Sidhu Moosewala remain unresolved, leaving the international community questioning Canada’s role in upholding the rule of law and the integrity of global security.