Canadian authorities have apprehended individuals believed to be part of an alleged hit squad. Investigators suspect that the group was commissioned by the Indian government to carry out the assassination of prominent Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia, in June of last year.
Sources close to the investigation have revealed to the Canadian Boradcasting Corporation that the police are actively looking into potential connections to three other homicides in Canada, including the tragic shooting death of an 11-year-old boy in Edmonton.
Based on information provided by the sources, members of the alleged hit squad assumed various roles as shooters, drivers, and spotters during the attack on Nijjar at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey.
The arrests took place on Friday during police operations conducted in multiple provinces. It has been disclosed that the authorities had identified the suspected hit squad members in Canada several months ago and have been closely monitoring their activities.
Also read:
India blames ‘rogue’ official for murder of Sikh separatist: report
In a major blow for India, Western countries expel RAW station chiefs
Canadian PM says India’s actions making life hard for millions of people
Kamalpreet Singh, Karanpreet Singh, and Karan Brar have been charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy in relation to the Nijjar case, as documented in the court filings submitted on Friday in Surrey. It should be noted that these charges have not yet been tested in court.
Law enforcement is expected to provide further details about the investigation later on Friday.
CBC News obtained this information, along with other undisclosed details, through extensive discussions with senior investigative and government sources, as well as members of the Sikh community.
To protect the sensitivity of the matter, the investigative and government sources have requested anonymity, and the identities of the Sikh community members have not been disclosed due to concerns about their personal security.
