The Canadian government has moved to block the release of sensitive information related to the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, citing concerns that disclosure could harm international relations and national security. The trial in the high-profile murder case is expected to begin later this year.
According to a report by Global News, the Attorney General of Canada has filed an application seeking to keep certain details confidential, arguing that the information is sensitive and could have serious diplomatic and security implications.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot dead on June 18, 2023, outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia. Following the killing, four Indian nationals—Karan Brar, Kamalpreet Singh, Karanpreet Singh, and Amandeep Singh—were charged in connection with the murder. They are currently under mandatory detention and will remain in custody until the trial begins.
The case has strained relations between India and Canada after then Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed in Parliament that there were allegations linking Indian agents to the killing. India has strongly denied the accusations, calling them “absurd” and politically motivated.
The British Columbia Prosecution Service has confirmed that the case is still in the pre-trial phase and that the trial is unlikely to start before August this year.
Adding to the complexity of the case is the arrest of Nikhil Gupta in the United States, who has pleaded guilty to charges related to an alleged plot targeting Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) general counsel Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Nijjar was a key coordinator for SFJ’s controversial “Khalistan Referendum” campaign in Canada.
Meanwhile, Indian High Commissioner to Canada Dinesh Patnaik stated that New Delhi is willing to cooperate with Canadian authorities if credible evidence emerges linking individuals within the Indian establishment to the murder.
“We have nothing to worry about on this account. We want to work with the Canadians to bring perpetrators to justice. If we find there are elements within our own establishment involved and evidence proves the link, we will take action,” Patnaik said.