Canada Says No Evidence Links Indian Officials To Nijjar Killing Investigation
Canada denies evidence linking Indian officials to Nijjar killing.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has said there is “no evidence to suggest” that Indian government officials were involved in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The statement marks a significant development nearly three years after former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly alleged a possible link between Indian agents and Nijjar’s death.
The RCMP clarification came shortly after US authorities announced charges against jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and Satinderjeet Singh alias Goldy Brar for allegedly ordering Nijjar’s assassination in Canada in June 2023. The US action was announced as part of an FBI-led operation targeting transnational organised crime networks.
RCMP Deputy Commissioner Moreland told Canadian public broadcaster CBC News that the ongoing investigation into organised crime links had not produced evidence connecting Indian government officials to the murder. She said that “nothing has come out to link the Indian government” and added that Indian authorities had cooperated with the investigation.
Also Read: Investigation Uncovers Use Of Disguise, Remote-Controlled Bomb In Monaco Attack
According to Canadian officials, the probe found that the Bishnoi gang was allegedly involved in activities including extortion, drug trafficking, kidnapping, and violence in Canada and other countries. The FBI-led operation, known as “Operation Hard Ball,” involved law enforcement agencies from the United States, Canada, and Europe, leading to arrests of individuals allegedly connected to India-based organised crime groups.
The killing of Nijjar outside a gurdwara in British Columbia had triggered a major diplomatic dispute between India and Canada. Trudeau’s allegations against Indian involvement were rejected by New Delhi as “absurd” and politically motivated. Nijjar, who headed the banned Khalistan Tiger Force, was designated a terrorist by India.
Relations between the two countries have shown signs of improvement after Mark Carney became Canadian prime minister. Both nations have since restored diplomatic representation and resumed security discussions, including visits by senior officials aimed at strengthening cooperation. The latest developments are expected to influence the ongoing investigation and future India-Canada diplomatic engagement.
Also Read: Pinarayi Vijayan Seeks SC-Monitored Investigation Into Ram Temple Embezzlement Allegations
