In a recent development, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed its concerns regarding the lack of evidence shared by Canada in the case involving the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. As news of the arrest of three Indian nationals made headlines, Indian officials are awaiting specific details and formal communication from Canadian authorities.
During a press briefing on Thursday, an MEA Spokesperson stressed that Canada has indeed informed India about the arrests but has not provided any substantial evidence or information concerning the case. The spokesperson said, “No specific or relevant evidence or information has been given to us in this matter. Canada has informed us about the arrest. But we have not got any formal communication.”
The unresolved situation has brought to light the complex dynamics between political interests and the process of justice. The MEA spokesperson mentioned the political undertones affecting the case, stating, “Therefore, understand a view that the matter is being prejudged when people say x or y. Obviously, there are political interests at work. We have long maintained that separatists, extremists, and those advocating violence have been given political space in Canada.”
Concerns about the safety of Indian diplomats and the functioning of diplomatic missions were also voiced. According to the spokesperson, Indian diplomats face threats and experience interference in their official duties in Canada. He further highlighted the contention over various individuals with organized crime ties receiving entry and residency in Canada and pointed out pending extradition requests that Indian authorities have filed with Canadian officials.
The spokesperson emphasized ongoing diplomatic discussions intended to resolve these issues, adding, “We are having discussions at the diplomatic levels on all these matters with the Canadian side.”
When queried about whether India has been granted consular access to the three arrested individuals, the spokesperson clarified that they have not received any such requests from Canada, as the suspects have yet to seek consular assistance.
Explaining the protocols in such situations, the MEA spokesperson remarked, “In different countries, there are different norms. In certain countries, if a person of a certain country is apprehended, then it is for that national to make a request that please give consular access to my embassy, and thereafter it is granted.”
The trio was arrested in Edmonton on charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in relation to the events of June 2023 when Nijjar was fatally shot—a violent act that deeply impacted diplomatic relations between Canada and India. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly implicated Indian agents in the murder of Nijjar, allegations that India has vehemently denied, dismissing them as ‘absurd’ and ‘motivated.’
Nijjar, who was identified as a terrorist by India’s National Investigation Agency in 2020, was killed outside a Gurdwara in Surrey. The shooting, captured on video and released earlier this year, was described as a ‘contract killing.’
In the ongoing investigation, Canadian police shared photos of the three individuals arrested in connection to Nijjar’s death. Photographs of a vehicle suspected of being used by the accused leading up to the homicide in the Surrey area were also disseminated by law enforcement.
Notably, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) of the Surrey RCMP collaborated with members from the British Columbia and Alberta RCMP, as well as the Edmonton Police Service, to effectuate the arrests on May 3.
This report was based on information received by ANI and disseminated without alterations by our news team.
