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Canadian authorities have uncovered disturbing evidence suggesting that Indian consular officials in Vancouver may have played a role in the assassination of prominent Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Reports indicate that a visa officer at the consulate allegedly gathered intelligence that assisted in orchestrating the killing of Nijjar, whose advocacy for a separate Sikh homeland made him a controversial figure within both the Sikh diaspora and Indian government circles.
Intelligence Links to Assassination
According to sources within Canadian national security, Kanwaljit Singh, identified as a visa officer at the Indian consulate, is believed to have had connections to India’s external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). This revelation comes amidst a tense political backdrop, with Prime Minister Mark Carney striving to mend relations with India while advocating for a free-trade agreement.
The details emerged from an ongoing investigation by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and information shared by Canadian intelligence partners in the United States and the United Kingdom. The evidence suggests that Singh, alongside a senior diplomat identified only as Manish, was actively involved in compiling information about Nijjar from members of the Indian community in Surrey, British Columbia.
Investigators suspect that Singh’s actions were not merely administrative but rather part of a broader scheme rooted in alleged collusion between Indian officials and criminal elements in Canada.
The Circumstances of Nijjar’s Death
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a significant figure advocating for the Khalistan movement, was shot dead on June 18, 2023, outside the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey. His assassination sent shockwaves through the Sikh community and exacerbated already fraught diplomatic ties between Canada and India.
In the wake of his murder, Canadian officials became aware of a potential Indian government plot against Nijjar, with intelligence suggesting that discussions among Indian officials in New Delhi had taken place regarding the elimination of Nijjar and other Sikh separatists.
Diplomatic Fallout and Ongoing Investigations
The Canadian government has taken steps to address the implications of these allegations. In October 2024, Ottawa expelled six Indian diplomats, though only one, Sanjay Verma, was publicly identified. The response from India has been one of staunch denial, with Dinesh Patnaik, India’s High Commissioner to Canada, dismissing claims of foreign interference.
As Prime Minister Carney prepares for discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Canadian officials are striving to balance national security concerns with diplomatic relations. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree recently indicated that while there is currently no evidence of ongoing Indian interference, further vigilance is necessary.
Criminal Connections and the Bishnoi Gang
The investigation has also unveiled potential links to organized crime, specifically the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which has been implicated in various criminal activities in Canada. Sources indicate that intelligence relayed by an officer in New Delhi, identified as Vikash Yadav, may have facilitated Nijjar’s assassination by coordinating with members of the Bishnoi group.
Yadav has been cited in U.S. legal documents as a key player in orchestrating plots against Sikh activists, which raises serious questions about the extent of international criminal networks operating with alleged support from state actors. The involvement of such groups complicates the narrative, suggesting a dangerous interplay between political motives and organised crime.
Why it Matters
The allegations of Indian government involvement in Nijjar’s assassination are more than a matter of national security; they strike at the heart of Canada’s commitment to protecting the rights of its citizens and the integrity of its diplomatic relations. This unfolding saga not only threatens to undermine Canada-India relations but also highlights the precarious position of the Sikh diaspora in navigating the complex intersections of cultural identity, political activism, and international diplomacy. As the investigation continues, the implications could reverberate well beyond the immediate community, influencing Canada’s foreign policy and its stance on international human rights.
