Four Indian nationals accused in the assassination of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar have been granted bail by a Canadian court. The accused—Karan Brar, Amandeep Singh, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karanpreet Singh—face charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. This high-profile case has been moved to the British Columbia Supreme Court, with the next hearing scheduled for February 11, 2025.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent advocate for Khalistan and a controversial figure in Indian and international politics, was shot and killed outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023. The assassination drew widespread attention and escalated into a diplomatic crisis when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that the Indian government was involved in the murder. Trudeau’s statement prompted a sharp rebuttal from India, which dismissed the claims as “baseless and politically motivated.” The accusations strained bilateral relations, leading to tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions and the suspension of trade talks between the two nations.
The four accused individuals were arrested by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in May 2024 from different locations across Canada. Their arrests came after months of investigation, but the prosecution faced criticism for delays in presenting evidence during preliminary hearings. According to court documents reviewed by India Today, the defendants were released under "stay of proceedings" while awaiting trial. During a hearing on November 18, 2024, at the British Columbia Supreme Court, their custody status was marked as "N," indicating they are no longer in detention. This suggests that the accused were either granted bail or released under specific conditions, such as restricted movement or regular check-ins with authorities.
To expedite the legal process, the Canadian government invoked a "direct indictment," a rarely used legal mechanism that bypasses the preliminary inquiry stage, allowing the case to proceed directly to trial. This move underscores the importance and urgency of the case within Canada’s judicial system, as well as the broader political implications surrounding it.
Nijjar’s assassination has amplified discussions about state-sponsored actions, the activities of diaspora communities advocating for separatist movements, and the international legal frameworks governing such incidents. While Nijjar was viewed as a hero by Khalistan supporters, he was labeled a terrorist by the Indian government, which had accused him of orchestrating violent acts in India and sought his extradition prior to his killing.
The case has also raised concerns about the safety of activists and leaders in exile, with some questioning Canada’s ability to protect individuals deemed targets of politically motivated violence. The involvement of the accused, their potential links to broader networks, and the evidence presented during the trial will likely be scrutinized not only by Canadian authorities but also by international observers, as the outcome could have far-reaching implications.
As the trial approaches, the focus will shift to the prosecution’s ability to substantiate its charges, the defense's strategy, and the court’s decisions on evidence admissibility and witness protection. The proceedings are expected to highlight the intricate interplay between legal systems, political interests, and the rights of individuals within a democratic framework. Given the high stakes, this trial could become a landmark case in defining accountability and justice in politically charged international incidents.
