Three Charged in Murder of Pro-Khalistan Leader
Canadian authorities have charged three individuals in connection with the killing of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar on June 18, 2023, in Surrey, British Columbia. Karan Brar, 22, Kamalpreet Singh, 22, and Karanpreet Singh, 28, have been charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder, according to a release from the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT).
The arrests were made in and around Edmonton, the capital of the province of Alberta. All three individuals are believed to have entered Canada as international students within the past five years. Canadian media reports, citing anonymous law enforcement sources, have linked them to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
Ongoing Investigations
Investigations into the killing are still underway, with a focus on identifying and apprehending any additional suspects. Canadian authorities are also coordinating with their Indian counterparts, although the relationship between the two countries has been described as challenging in recent years.
Political Implications
Nijjar’s killing strained relations between India and Canada, with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stating that there were credible allegations of an Indian link to the murder. India has denied these allegations. Indian officials have reiterated their willingness to cooperate with the Canadian investigation if provided with specific and relevant information.
Reaction from Khalistan Referendum Group
Gurpatwant Pannun, general counsel for the Sikh separatist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), which was organizing a referendum on a separate Khalistan state, said that the arrests were a step forward but only scratched the surface. Pannun accused the Indian government and its representatives in Canada of providing logistical support and intelligence leading up to Nijjar’s death.
