Months after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada accused India’s government of plotting a murder on Canadian soil, the first arrests in the killing of Sikh nationalist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar have left many questions unanswered. The arrests of three Indian men in connection with the murder did little to clarify the basis of Trudeau’s claim, as police did not offer any evidence linking India to the crime.
The ongoing investigation into India’s role in the killing has raised concerns about the possible involvement of India’s external spy agency, RAW, in working with criminal networks to carry out operations in Western countries. The accusations against India come at a time of heightened tensions between the two countries, with Trudeau facing criticism for his handling of Chinese election interference activities on Canadian soil.
The suspects arrested in connection with Nijjar’s killing are reportedly linked to an Indian criminal gang led by Lawrence Bishnoi, who is currently in an Indian jail facing multiple charges. Bishnoi’s gang has been accused of various crimes, including murder, extortion, and narcotics trafficking, with connections that stretch as far as Canada.
The killing of Nijjar has reignited discussions about the separatist movement for Khalistan, which seeks to carve out an independent nation from the Indian state of Punjab. The large Sikh diaspora in Canada has long been a stronghold of support for the Khalistan movement, leading to tensions between India and Western countries over the crackdown on separatists.
Analysts and former security officials have pointed to the possibility of RAW using criminal gangs to carry out covert operations with deniability, a tactic that is not uncommon in the world of espionage. The failed plot on American soil, allegedly involving an Indian intelligence handler, has raised concerns about India’s tactics in extending its operations into unfamiliar territories.
While Canada has not publicly disclosed any evidence supporting Trudeau’s accusation against India, the diplomatic fallout between the two countries continues to escalate. Indian officials have vehemently denied any involvement in the killing and have accused Canada of giving political space to separatism and extremism.
As the investigation into Nijjar’s killing continues, the complex web of international espionage, criminal networks, and separatist movements has cast a shadow over diplomatic relations between Canada and India. The true motives behind the murder remain shrouded in mystery, leaving both countries in a state of uncertainty and suspicion.
