The Hardeep Nijjar murder case witnessed a significant twist as a Canadian court granted bail to four Indian nationals accused of his killing. The development comes as a setback to the Canadian government, which had presented the charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder against Karan Brar, Amandeep Singh, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karanpreet Singh.
The trial is now set to proceed in the British Columbia Supreme Court, with the next hearing scheduled for February 11. According to reports, delays in presenting evidence during preliminary hearings have cast doubt on the prosecution’s case, raising questions about the strength of Canada’s position.
Delays in Evidence Presentation
Reports indicate that during the preliminary hearings, the prosecution faced significant delays in submitting evidence, leading to the court’s decision to grant bail. Critics argue that the lack of substantial evidence undermines the Canadian government’s claims in the case.
Court documents reveal that the accused were released under “stay of proceedings” and marked with the status ‘N’ in court records, signifying they were not in custody. While awaiting trial, they remain free on bail or under specific legal conditions.
Hardeep Nijjar’s Background
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, labeled a terrorist by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) in 2020, was a prominent figure in the Khalistan movement. He was fatally shot outside a Gurdwara in Surrey, Canada, in June 2023. Nijjar’s death became a flashpoint in the already strained diplomatic relations between India and Canada.
Who Are the Accused?
The investigation into Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s murder led to the arrests of Karan Brar, Kamalpreet Singh, Karanpreet Singh, and Amandeep Singh. The accused, aged between 22 and 28, were charged with murder and conspiracy. Their arrest followed an extensive probe by Canadian authorities, though the alleged delays in evidence submission have complicated the case.
India-Canada Diplomatic Strain
Nijjar’s killing further strained India-Canada relations, especially after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in the incident. He claimed “credible allegations” of Indian government links to the murder, a statement that India dismissed as “absurd” and “politically motivated.”
India has long criticized Canada for allegedly providing a safe haven to individuals and groups promoting extremist ideologies, including anti-India rhetoric. The Nijjar case has fueled tensions, with both nations exchanging sharp rhetoric and taking diplomatic actions that reflect the deteriorating ties.
The case remains a critical test of Canada’s legal and political approach to handling sensitive issues involving international relations and domestic security. The upcoming trial proceedings are likely to attract significant attention, given their implications for justice and bilateral relations.