The murder of the Sikh activist happened in a suburb of Vancouver last June. The Sikh leader was known for his support for an independent state for Sikhs in India, and Indian authorities accused him of terrorism.
His death had consequences for the political relationship between Canada and India.
Friday evening Norwegian time, the police confirm that three Indian men have been arrested and charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Two of the men are 22 years old, while the last is 28.
None of the three was known to the police before the investigation, writes the BBC. According to the police, the men must have lived in Canada between three and five years.
All three lived in Edmonton, Alberta – where they were also arrested.
The Canadian broadcaster CBC reports that they are accused of having acted, among other things, as the shooter and driver in connection with the murder. According to the broadcaster, investigators believe the men were hired by India to carry out the murder.
The same channel reports that possible links to three other murders are also being investigated, including that of an eleven-year-old boy in Edmonton in the province of Alberta
However, the police do not rule out that more people are involved.
– We are aware that others may have had a role in this murder, and we are working to find and arrest all these people, said the head of the investigation team, Mandeep Mooker, at a press conference on Friday evening.
He also took the opportunity to thank the Sikh community, which has helped with the investigation.
At the same press conference, the police said that they are investigating the men’s connection to the Indian government.
– Deep concern
Photo: Chris Helgren / Reuters / NTB
Photo: NARINDER NANU / AFP / NTB
Photo: BANARAS KHAN / AFP / NTB
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said last fall that Canadian authorities were investigating whether Indian intelligence was involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
– Canada has expressed deep concern towards the Indian authorities. During the G20 meeting, I gave Prime Minister Narendra Modi a clear message about this, Trudeau said in September.
– The murder of a Canadian citizen is an unacceptable violation of our sovereignty. We are working closely with our allies and coordinating with them on this serious matter, the prime minister said at the time.
India has denied, calling the allegations absurd.
Following this, Canada expelled an Indian diplomat from the country. The diplomat was the head of India’s security service in Canada.
Shortly afterwards, India chose to strike back, expelling a senior Canadian diplomat from the country.
