All 4 accused in Nijjar murder case no longer in custody in Canada: Report

India and Canada's diplomatic ties were hit severely when Trudeau in Sept 2023 accused India of being involved in killing of Khalistan supporter Nijjar.

Published on: Jan 09, 2025 9:50 PM IST

By HT News Desk

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The four individuals arrested in connection with the killing of Khalistan supporter Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada appeared to be no longer in custody, news agency ANI reported on Thursday, citing documents filed Canadian Department of Justice.

This combination of handout pictures courtesy of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team in Canada created on May 3, 2024 shows the pictures of (from L) Karanpreet Singh, Kamalpreet Singh and Karan Brar, charged in relation to the homicide of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. (AFP/File)

The development comes days after Justin Trudeau announced he was stepping down as prime minister amid discontent over his leadership.

The Canadian Police had in May last year arrested and charged three individuals - Karanpreet Singh (28), Kamalpreet Singh (22), and Karan Brar (22) - in connection with the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in which Justin Trudeau had alleged the involvement of India.

Also Read: From nightclub bouncer to Canada PM: Rise and fall of Justin Trudeau

A few days later, the Canadian Police arrested a fourth suspect over his alleged involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The accused was identified as Amandeep Singh (22).

All four have been granted bail as per the documents filed by the Department of Justice in Canada.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing

India and Canada's diplomatic ties were hit severely when Justin Trudeau, on September 2023, accused India of being involved in the killing of Khalistan supporter Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Nijjar was shot outside a Sikh temple in Surrey area of Canada's British Columbia in June 2023. Trudeau's claims that India supports criminal activities sparked strong criticism both within Canada and internationally.

India dismissed the accusation as "absurd."

The allegations by Trudeau led to a big diplomatic fallout as India expelled six Canadian diplomats and recalled its ambassador to Ottawa after Canada tried to question Indian officials as "persons of interest" in the Nijjar case. Pro-Khalistan activities in Canada, including an attack on a Hindu temple near Toronto, only worsened the situation between the two countries.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) back then had said Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's hostility to India has long been in evidence and his government has consciously provided space to violent extremists and terrorists "to harass, threaten and intimidate Indian diplomats and community leaders in Canada".

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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