Three persons have been apprehended by Canadian law enforcement in connection with the assassination of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia last year.
Identified as Karanpreet Singh (28), Kamalpreet Singh (22), and Karan Brar (22), the suspects were disclosed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) during a press briefing.
RCMP superintendent Mandeep Mooker mentioned ongoing investigations into any potential ties between the arrested individuals and the Indian government.
The suspects had been under surveillance for several months before their arrest, with Canadian authorities collaborating with US counterparts on the operation.
According to authorities, the arrested individuals played various roles, including shooters, drivers, and spotters, in Nijjar's assassination. The arrests took place during coordinated police actions in multiple provinces earlier in the day.
Assistant RCMP commissioner David Teboul stated that the investigation remains active, hinting at possible further arrests.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, aged 45, was fatally shot on June 18, 2023, following evening prayers at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, addressing a Khalsa Day event in Toronto, reiterated his concerns over Nijjar's assassination, suggesting the involvement of Indian agents.
India rejected Trudeau's assertions, condemning Canada's tolerance of separatism, extremism, and violence.
Responding to Trudeau's remarks, India's external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized previous concerns over Canada's allowance of separatist activities.
Additionally, India lodged a formal protest over pro-'Khalistan' slogans raised during Trudeau's attendance at an event. Nijjar, a Khalistani separatist, faced multiple terrorism-related charges in India.
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