Controversy Surrounds Investigation in Killing of Khalistani Hardeep Singh Nijjar

India’s High Commissioner to Ottawa, Sanjay Kumar Verma, has raised concerns about the investigation into the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent figure associated with the Khalistani movement. 

In an interview with the Globe and Mail, he expressed doubts about the direction of the investigation.

Lack of Specific Information:

Verma emphasized a lack of specific and relevant information for India to assist Canadian authorities in the investigation. 

He questioned the evidence and the current status of the investigation, suggesting that high-level directives may have already influenced it.

Canada-India Diplomatic Tensions:

The remarks by High Commissioner Verma come in the wake of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s statement about “credible allegations” of a potential link between Indian agents and Nijjar’s killing. 

This statement led to diplomatic tensions between Canada and India, resulting in the expulsion of diplomats from both countries.

The Nijjar Case:

Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the principal of the secessionist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) in British Columbia, was killed on June 18 in Surrey, British Columbia. 

While India had accused Nijjar of being a terrorist, he was never formally charged in a Canadian court, and Canada has yet to provide evidence of India’s involvement in his killing.

Intelligence and Diplomatic Communications:

Canadian government sources have indicated that intelligence implicating Indian agents includes intercepted Indian diplomatic communications, as well as information from an unnamed Five Eyes ally. 

The Five Eyes alliance comprises the United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada. Verma, however, denied India’s involvement and stated that diplomatic communications cannot be used as evidence.