Canada 

Canadian authorities have arrested a fourth individual, Amardeep Singh, in connection with the murder of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia. Singh, charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder, joins three others already apprehended, as the case continues to strain relations between Canada and India.

Canadian authorities have made a fourth arrest in connection with the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a case that has garnered significant attention and strained relations between Canada and India. The latest arrest comes after three individuals were previously apprehended in connection with Nijjar's murder.

Amardeep Singh, 22, hailing from Brampton, Surrey, and Abbotsford areas of Canada, has been charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in relation to the death of Nijjar, who was killed outside Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia on June 18, 2023.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced Singh's arrest on May 11. He was already in custody of the Peel Regional Police for unrelated firearms charges at the time of his arrest.

Superintendent Mandeep Mooker, the Officer in Charge of IHIT, emphasized the ongoing nature of the investigation and the commitment to holding those responsible for Nijjar's homicide accountable. IHIT pursued the evidence diligently, leading to sufficient information for the British Columbia Prosecution Service to lay charges against Amardeep Singh.

Details surrounding the arrest have been withheld due to the ongoing nature of the investigations and court proceedings.

Prior to Singh's arrest, three Indian nationals—Karan Brar (22), Kamalpreet Singh (22), and Karanpreet Singh (28)—were arrested by IHIT investigators on May 3. All three individuals, residing in Edmonton, were charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in connection with Nijjar's death.

The strained relations between India and Canada intensified following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations in September last year, suggesting potential involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar's killing. India refuted these claims as "absurd" and "motivated."

Nijjar, a known Khalistani separatist, was wanted in India on various terror charges.

In response to Trudeau's allegations, India called for a reduction in Canada's diplomatic presence, leading to the withdrawal of 41 diplomats and their families from India. India has consistently expressed concerns regarding Canada's tolerance of separatist, terrorist, and anti-India elements.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the importance of upholding the rule of law and criticized Canada for allowing political space to Khalistani separatist elements. He questioned Canada's vetting processes for migrants, particularly those with dubious backgrounds, including Khalistani supporters from Punjab.

In an interview with PTI, Jaishankar emphasized India's respect for freedom of speech but underscored that it should not extend to supporting separatism or threatening foreign diplomats.

The latest arrest underscores Canada's commitment to justice in the case of Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing. As investigations continue, both Canada and India face ongoing diplomatic challenges surrounding the broader issues of separatism and terrorism.