Canada: Eight Sikh youths in Brampton face action for 'possessing' restricted firearms

Toronto, October 6: The Canadian authorities have apprehended eight Sikh youths in the 19-26 age group in Brampton city, Ontario province, for allegedly possessing loaded, prohibited or restricted firearms.

According to Peel Regional Police, on the evening of October 2, they received reports of shots being fired in the vicinity of Donald Stewart Road and Brisdale Drive in Brampton.

A press release from the Peel Regional Police on Wednesday stated, "With the assistance of the Tactical Unit, eight persons were arrested from their residence." Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the incident.

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This incident comes at a time of heightened tensions between India and Canada, stemming from the killing of Sikh activist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia on June 18.

Following the incident, officials from the Criminal Investigation Bureau executed a criminal code search warrant, leading to the seizure of a 9mm Beretta firearm.

Those charged with possession of a "loaded prohibited or restricted firearm" are Jagdeep Singh (22), Ekamjot Randhawa (19), Manjinder Singh (26), Harpreet Singh (23), Ripanjot Singh (22), Japandeep Singh (22), and Lovepreet Singh (26), all from Brampton.

Besides, 21-year-old Rajanpreet Singh has been charged with careless storage of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device, or ammunition, in addition to the possession of a loaded, prohibited, or restricted firearm.

They have been held for a bail hearing and have appeared at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton.

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Tensions between Canada and India have escalated following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations of the "potential" involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Nijjar. India has vehemently denied these charges, describing them as "absurd" and "motivated." India has also expressed concerns regarding the safety of Indian diplomats and diplomatic premises in Canada.