In a significant breakthrough, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has apprehended three individuals allegedly involved in the assassination of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023. The suspects, identified as Kamalpreet Singh, Karanpreet Singh, and Karan Brar, have been charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in relation to the case.

The arrest follows an extensive investigation conducted by the Integrated Homicide Investigative Team (IHIT) and the Federal Policing Program Pacific Region. Superintendent Duheme, speaking on behalf of the RCMP, emphasized the meticulous efforts and strategic coordination involved in securing the arrests.

Reports suggest that the accused individuals were under surveillance by Canadian authorities for several months and were suspected to be part of a ‘hit squad.’ Sources familiar with the matter revealed alleged connections to illicit activities and ties to the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Pakistan’s intelligence agency. However, these claims have yet to be substantiated.

Despite the arrests, Superintendent Duheme emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing, with separate probes running concurrently. The death of Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, has strained diplomatic relations between Canada and India. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had previously insinuated Indian involvement in the assassination, a claim vehemently denied by Indian officials as “baseless.”

Mandeep Mooker, the officer-in-charge of the IHIT, commended the collaborative efforts between Surrey RCMP and his team, highlighting the ten-month-long pursuit to apprehend the perpetrators.