Hardeep Singh Nijjar murder: Canadian Foreign Minister stands by allegations against India despite lack of proof

Melanie Joly's statement comes days after the Canadian police made public images of all three people arrested in connection with the killing of Nijjar

Canadian foreign minister Melanie Joly has stated that Ottawa continues to stand by the allegations that Indian agents were involved in the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar even as there is no proof that shows New Delhi's involvement, according to a report by Canada-based media channel Cable Public Affairs Channel (CPAC).

Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023. The ties between India and Canada came under severe strain following Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations in September last year of the "potential" involvement of Indian agents in the killing of 45-year-old Nijjar.

India has dismissed Trudeau's charges as "absurd" and "motivated."

Meanwhile, Joly said that the investigation into the killing of Nijjar is being conducted by Royal Canadian Mounted Police. She stated that Canada will continue to protect its citizens, the CPAC report added.

"Canada's position has always been clear. Our job is to protect Canadians and we stand by the allegations that a Canadian was killed on Canadian soil by Indian agents. Now, the investigation by the RCMP is being done," Joly added.

Joly's statement comes days after the Canadian police made public images of all three people arrested in connection with the killing of Nijjar. The three people, who are all citizens of India, were identified by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in a statement as Karanpreet Singh, 28, Kamalpreet Singh, 22, and Karan Brar, 22, along with their respective photos.
In connection with the incident, the three have now been charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

After three Indian nationals were arrested in connection with the murder, police in Canada said they had worked with US law enforcement agencies, without giving additional details.

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said what is happening in poll-bound Canada over the killing of Nijjar is mostly due to their internal politics and has nothing to do with India.

(With agency inputs)