NEW DELHI: Four individuals charged with the murder of NIA-designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar have been released from custody, according to documents filed by Canada’s department of justice on Thursday.
The accused—Karan Brar, Karan Singh, Amandeep Singh, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karanpreet Singh—were charged with murder and conspiracy in connection with Nijjar’s killing on June 18, 2023.
Court documents show the status of the accused as “not in custody,” marked with an “N.” The news of their release comes days after former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation.
The incident took place in the parking lot of a Gurdwara in British Columbia’s Surrey, where Nijjar, who led the Khalistan Tiger Force, was fatally shot in what has been described as a “contract killing.”
A video of the incident, which reportedly surfaced in March 2024, showed armed men attacking Nijjar as he exited the Gurdwara.
Nijjar’s killing has been at the center of strained diplomatic relations between India and Canada. Trudeau had alleged a possible involvement of Indian government agents in the murder, a claim India has consistently denied, calling it “absurd” and “motivated.”
India has accused Canada of harbouring extremist and anti-India elements, including supporters of the Khalistan movement.
Earlier, the ministry of external affairs stated that Canada had not provided any specific evidence or formal communication regarding the case, despite the arrests of Indian nationals in connection with Nijjar’s murder.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) in British Columbia, which is handling the case, has accused the individuals of murder and conspiracy. However, Canadian authorities have not presented any evidence linking the accused to India, despite speculation in Canadian media.
