In a significant development, Canadian law enforcement authorities have apprehended three Indian nationals in connection with the assassination of prominent Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The suspects are believed to be part of an alleged hit squad that was reportedly tasked by the Indian government to carry out the killing.
The Arrests in Nijjar Killing
The three individuals arrested are:
- Kamalpreet Singh (22)
- Karan Brar (22)
- Karanpreet Singh (28)
All three suspects are Indian citizens residing in Edmonton, Alberta. They have been charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in the Nijjar case. The charges have not yet been tested in court, but the accused appeared before a judge virtually on Friday.
Alleged Hit Squad
According to sources close to the investigation, the alleged hit squad members played different roles during the assassination. These roles included shooters, drivers, and spotters on the day Nijjar was killed at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia. The authorities had identified the suspects several months ago and had been closely monitoring their activities.
Links to Other Cases
In addition to Nijjar’s killing, Canadian police are actively investigating possible links to three other murders within the country. These cases include the shooting death of an 11-year-old boy in Edmonton. The investigation suggests that the hit squad may have been involved in multiple targeted attacks.
Indian Government’s Alleged Involvement in Nijjar Killing
Sources indicate that the Indian government directed the hit squad to eliminate Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan separatist. The case has raised questions about the involvement of foreign governments in targeted assassinations on Canadian soil.
Non-Permanent Residents
All three accused are Indian citizens who have been non-permanent residents of Canada for three to five years. They arrived in Canada on temporary visas after 2021, with some holding student visas. None of them pursued education while in Canada, and none have obtained permanent residency.
Ongoing Investigation on Nijjar Killing
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) emphasized that the investigation is ongoing. Superintendent Mandeep Mooker, the officer in charge of the B.C. RCMP’s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT), stated, “This investigation does not end here. We are aware that others may have played a role in this homicide, and we remain dedicated to finding and arresting each one of these individuals.”
The arrests have sent shockwaves through the Sikh community and raised concerns about security and foreign interference. As the legal proceedings unfold, authorities will continue to delve into the motives behind Nijjar’s killing and the broader implications of the alleged hit squad’s actions.
