Hardeep Nijjar killing: Three arrested Indians make court appearance; Canada reiterates Indian agents' allegations

PTC Web Desk: Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly has reiterated Ottawa's stance regarding the allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, despite a lack of evidence implicating India. Notably, three Indian nationals, Karan Brar, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karanpreet Singh, residing in Edmonton, appeared before a Canadian court via video for the first time, facing charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in relation to Nijjar's death.

The Canadian Foreign Minister said the investigation into Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing was being conducted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The minister affirmed Canada's commitment to protecting its citizens. While the Canadian Police announced the arrest of the three suspects, they have not provided evidence linking the incident to India, contrary to speculation in Canadian media.

During the suspects' court appearance, members of the Sikh community from British Columbia gathered in the Surrey courtroom. Outside, pro-Khalistani protesters chanted slogans and held placards, attributing the killing to the Indian government.

Judge Delaram Jahani briefly questioned the suspects, who appeared separately from the North Fraser Pretrial Centre. While Karan Brar and Karanpreet Singh opted to appear again on May 21 through their attorneys, a new date for Kamalpreet Singh is pending as he seeks legal counsel.

All three suspects agreed to have the proceedings conducted in English and acknowledged their understanding of the charges against them. The court granted the Crown prosecutor's request for a no-contact order, prohibiting the accused from communicating directly or indirectly with seven individuals, including Nijjar's son and several others.

In the event of acquittal, the suspects could still face deportation under a Supreme Court of Canada ruling in September, which allows foreign nationals to be deemed inadmissible to Canada on security grounds.

The courthouse witnessed a significant turnout, with hundreds of local Khalistan supporters present. An overflow room accommodating an additional 50 persons was opened, while around 100 persons outside the courthouse waved Khalistan flags and expressed support for Sikh separatism.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, was fatally shot outside a gurdwara in Surrey on June 18, 2023. India rejected recent comments by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding Nijjar's killing, criticising Canada for allowing space for separatism, extremism and violence. Trudeau's remarks at a Khalsa Day event in Toronto, attended by pro-Khalistan supporters, further strained relations between India and Canada.

The relationship between the two countries deteriorated following Trudeau's allegations last year of potential Indian involvement in Nijjar's killing, which India dismissed as baseless and politically motivated.

- With inputs from agencies

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