The Canadian police have arrested members of an alleged hit squad that investigators believe the government of India tasked with killing Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey last June, more than seven months after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged Indian government agents’ possible role in the killing, CBC News reported on Friday.
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Police arrested the men on Friday during operations in at least two provinces. Sources indicated that investigators had identified the alleged hit squad members in Canada several months ago and had been closely surveilling them. Police are expected to announce arrests and disclose investigation details later on Friday.
Investigation Of Nijjar Murder Case
Sources close to the investigation, as reported by CBC News, mentioned that police are actively investigating possible links to three additional murders in Canada, including the shooting death of an 11-year-old boy in Edmonton, without disclosing details about the identity of the individuals arrested. The sources also indicated that on the day Nijjar was killed at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, members of the hit squad allegedly performed various roles such as shooters, drivers, and spotters.
An unprecedented diplomatic crisis between India and Canada, potentially carrying political and geopolitical consequences, began after Trudeau made a significant allegation in September last year. His country’s Parliament was informed by him that there was a possibility the Indian government had been involved in the killing of Nijjar.
During his visit for the G20 Leaders’ Summit on September 9-10 last year, Trudeau raised the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi, during their bilateral meeting in New Delhi, expressed concerns about pro-Khalistan elements in Canada.
The Ministry of External Affairs labeled Trudeau’s accusation as “absurd and motivated,” stating that he had made similar allegations during his meeting with the PM, which were “completely rejected.” This led to a rapid escalation in diplomatic tensions, highlighting the seriousness of the crisis.
Canada initiated the first action by expelling an Indian diplomat stationed in Ottawa, revealing the official’s role as the head of the Indian intelligence agency. In response, India expelled a Canadian diplomat located in New Delhi.
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