Canadian authorities charge three people in connection with the killing of Hardeep Singh Nigar world News

Toronto: Canadian authorities have formally identified and charged the three people arrested in connection with the killing of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nigar on June 18, 2023, in Surrey, British Columbia.

The three were arrested in and around Edmonton, the capital of British Columbia. They have been identified as Karan Brar, 22, Kamalpreet Singh, 22, and Karanpreet Singh, 28. They were charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. According to a statement issued by the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) on Friday.

However, investigations are continuing into additional people involved in the killing and proving an Indian connection to it. “There are separate and distinct investigations underway into these matters, certainly not limited to the involvement of the persons arrested today, and these efforts include investigating ties with the Government of India,” said the Federal Police Program Commander, Pacific, Assistant Commissioner. David Thibault said during a press conference in Surrey:

He did not address the nature of the evidence collected or the motive behind the killing because it will be presented in the judicial proceedings in the case, which are expected to begin on Monday after the accused arrives in Surrey.

“I will say that this matter is still very much under active investigation. I will stress that today’s announcements are not a complete description of the investigative work currently underway,” Taboul said.

Taboul said investigators were “coordinating and cooperating” with Indian agencies, but added that the relationship had become “somewhat difficult and difficult over the past few years.”

The men were taken into custody in Edmonton with the assistance of the Surrey detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Edmonton Police Service.

“The investigation does not end here. We are aware that there may be others who played a role in this murder and we remain committed to identifying and arresting each and every one of them,” said Superintendent Mandeep Muker, Officer-in-Charge of IHIT.

The three are believed to have entered Canada in the past five years, with international students and Canadian media reports, citing anonymous law enforcement sources, saying they are linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.

Police published photos of the detainees and of a Toyota Corolla, which the suspects are believed to have used in the period leading up to the murder, in and around the Sari area.

Najjar’s killing caused a deterioration in relations between India and Canada after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in the House of Commons on September 18 that there were “credible allegations” of a possible link between Indian agents and the murder.

India described this statement as “ridiculous” and “motivated.” Later, Indian officials reiterated that New Delhi is ready to cooperate with Ottawa if it is provided with “specific and relevant information.”

Najjar was the lead organizer in British Columbia for the so-called Khalistan referendum conducted by the separatist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). In response to the arrests on Friday, SFJ General Counsel Gurpatwant Pannun said that while the action was a “step forward” it “only scratches the surface,” as he accused New Delhi and its representatives in Canada of providing “logistical and intelligence support” that preceded the arrests. Arrests. To murder.