New Delhi: Days after the arrest of three Indian nationals in Canada in connection with the killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, India has suggested that there are political motives at play in this case. The Indian government also said that no specific or relevant evidence or information was shared by Canada.
Responding to inquiries on Thursday, Randhir Jaiswal, the Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson, acknowledged that India was informed about the arrests by Canada, albeit not through diplomatic channels.
Diplomatic relations between India and Canada have been strained since Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed in September of the previous year that his government possessed “credible allegations” linking Nijjar’s killing to agents of the Indian government.
Jaiswal expressed concern that the matter is being prematurely judged due to potential political motivations.
Karan Brar, 22, Kamalpreet Singh, 22, and Karanpreet Singh, 28, all Indian nationals residing in Edmonton, were arrested and charged on Friday last week with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Speaking to reporters, Melanie Joly said the investigation into the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar is being conducted by Royal Canadian Mounted Police. She added that Canada will continue to protect its citizens, CPAC reported.
“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,” Melanie Joly said.
