Ottawa: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have apprehended three individuals, identified as Kamalpreet Singh, Karanpreet Singh, and Goldy Brar, in connection with the high-profile murder of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The suspects were taken into custody following a meticulous investigation into the June 2023 shooting at a gurdwara parking lot in Surrey, British Columbia, where Nijjar, also a Canadian citizen, was fatally shot.
In a detailed statement, the RCMP disclosed the collaborative efforts of the Integrated Homicide Investigative Team (IHIT) and the Federal Policing Program Pacific Region, which culminated in the arrests on June 18, 2023. Commissioner Mike Duheme highlighted the extensive investigative work and strategic coordination that led to this significant breakthrough.
Further reports from the Canadian broadcaster CBC revealed that the arrested individuals were part of a ‘hit squad’ under close surveillance by Canadian authorities for several months prior to their arrest. The suspects are believed to have been involved in the drug trade and allegedly linked to Pakistan’s spy agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), which is accused of funding anti-India and pro-Khalistani activities.
Indian officials have expressed frustration over the lack of support from the Canadian government and police, despite providing evidence of the accused’s involvement in operations directed against India. The officials have emphasized that many individuals accused by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) reside in Canada and are purportedly financed by the ISI.
The RCMP’s statement also noted that the investigation into Nijjar’s death is ongoing, with other related probes being conducted simultaneously. Commissioner Duheme assured that the efforts to uncover the full extent of this case are far from over, indicating the possibility of further developments as the investigation progresses.
This case has drawn international attention and has the potential to impact diplomatic relations, highlighting the complex interplay between crime, politics, and international espionage.
