Canada awaits results of investigations into allegations of Indian agents link to Hardeep Nijjar killing

PTC Web Desk: The Canadian government is awaiting the outcome of investigations by law enforcement into the killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, clarifying that any link to India remains an allegation grounded in intelligence reports. This clarification comes over a year after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's statement in the House of Commons on September 18 last year, where he cited “credible allegations” of possible involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar’s murder. That statement led to a significant strain in Canada-India relations.

Weldon Epp, Assistant Deputy Minister for the Indo-Pacific at Global Affairs Canada (GAC), appeared before the foreign interference commission on Friday, confirming that investigations by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are ongoing, alongside diplomatic efforts. He stated, “We are still waiting for the results of the RCMP investigations; until then, the allegations remain intelligence-based.”

In May, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) arrested four Indian nationals, charging them with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Their trial is set to continue in mid-November. A source close to the investigation expressed hope that the suspects' interrogation could provide evidence of Indian involvement, supported by information from domestic sources and a Five Eyes partner, likely the United States.

Additionally, a senior RCMP official recently noted that separate investigations are being conducted into potential foreign interference by India, which are independent of the probe into Hardeep Singh Nijjar's death.