India ,Canada 

Three Indian nationals accused of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing make their first court appearance in Surrey, British Columbia, amid ongoing tensions between Canada and India over the incident. Pro-Khalistani protesters gather outside the courthouse as the suspects face charges of first-degree murder and murderous conspiracy in connection with the June 2023 shooting.

In a significant development regarding the case of Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing, three Indian nationals accused of the Sikh separatist leader's murder appeared in a Surrey courtroom in British Columbia. The courtroom witnessed a notable presence of members from the Sikh community, indicating the gravity of the situation.

The suspects, identified as Karan Brar, Karanpreet Singh, and Kamalpreet Singh, made their initial court appearance via video link, dressed in orange jumpsuits. Outside the courthouse, pro-Khalistani protesters voiced their sentiments, holding placards and chanting slogans, placing blame on the Indian government for Nijjar's death.

During the court proceedings, Judge Delaram Jahani engaged with the suspects briefly. While Brar and Karanpreet Singh opted to appear again on May 21 through their attorneys, Kamalpreet Singh, seeking legal counsel, awaits a decision on a new court date.

The arrests of the three men, which occurred in Edmonton the previous week, relate to the first-degree murder and murderous conspiracy charges concerning the shooting of Nijjar in June 2023. This incident has significantly strained relations between Canada and India.

The diplomatic tension escalated when Canadian Prime Minister accused agents of the Indian government of being involved in Nijjar's killing. However, India has strongly refuted these allegations, dismissing them as baseless and motivated.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar was fatally shot outside a gurdwara in Surrey, a suburb of Vancouver, in June last year. The emergence of a video clip purportedly showing his assassination in March this year intensified the investigation, suggesting a possible contract killing.

Canadian authorities, in their pursuit of justice, released photographs of the arrested individuals along with images of the car believed to have been used in connection with the homicide. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) of Surrey RCMP, along with other law enforcement agencies, played a crucial role in apprehending the suspects.

Despite the arrest, allegations of Indian involvement persist. Canada's New Democratic Party (NDP) leader, Jagmeet Singh, reiterated accusations against the Indian government following the arrests. However, no evidence linking India to the crime has been shared by Canadian authorities.

Jagmeet Singh's party, which supports the Liberal minority government led by Prime Minister Trudeau, emphasized the importance of uncovering the truth behind Nijjar's killing. The demand for justice echoes not only for Nijjar but also for preserving Canada's democratic values and upholding the rule of law.

In 2023, similar accusations were made by the Canadian PM, which India vehemently denied. The absence of concrete evidence linking India to the crime underscores the complexity of the situation and the importance of a thorough investigation.

As the legal proceedings continue and the investigation unfolds, the case of Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing remains a focal point in Canada's legal and diplomatic spheres, highlighting the delicate balance between justice, international relations, and the pursuit of truth.