Four suspects in Canadian Sikh murder case to appear in court

SURREY: Four suspects charged in the murder of Canadian Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar are scheduled to appear in court on June 25.

On June 18, 2023, the Sikh separatist was fatally shot near a Sikh temple in Surrey, Canada. He was a leading advocate for Khalistan, a proposed separate Sikh state in India. Nijjar’s murder sparked widespread outrage within both, the Sikh community and Canadian society at large.

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The four accused are all Indian nationals: Karan Brar, Amandeep Singh, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karanpreet Singh. They face charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy.

Sikhs gathered in the Canadian town of Surrey to commemorate the anniversary of Nijjar’s assassination.

Many view Nijjar’s murder as part of a broader campaign by the right-wing Indian government under Narendra Modi against Khalistan advocates.

Despite Nijjar’s assassination, Khalistan activists remain determined to advocate for a separate Sikh homeland.

Canada has accused India of involvement in the assassination of the Canadian Sikh, with the country’s Prime Minister Trudeau delivering strongly worded remarks. However, the Indian government has firmly denied any involvement.

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Meanwhile, a recent survey showed that Canadians’ positive view of India has dramatically declined, partly attributed to Nijjar’s killing.