One of the Indian nationals charged with the murder of pro-Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia, may have been assaulted while in a holding facility, according to a local media report. The Indo-Canadian Voice, citing unnamed sources, indicated that one of the three suspects was attacked at the Surrey Pretrial Centre, possibly in the gym.
Three suspects arrested in connection with Nijjar’s murder on June 18 last year remain in custody as their legal proceedings continue. A news channel also received a tip-off about the alleged assault but couldn’t confirm the incident. BC’s Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General neither confirmed nor denied the assault, citing privacy laws and security considerations.
Karan Brar, 22, Kamalpreet Singh, 22, and Karanpreet Singh, 28, were apprehended in Edmonton, Alberta, on May 3. Information on which of the three might have been attacked hasn’t been disclosed. The fourth suspect, Amandeep Singh, 22, was charged on May 11 for Nijjar’s killing while already in custody for unrelated drugs and weapons charges from November 2023.
According to sources Hardeep Nijjer’s accused killers were attacked in prison ……more to come #SurreyBC #MediaWaves #Latest_News pic.twitter.com/m56rtVoPh1
— Ashiana (@Ashiana_khan) August 15, 2024
All four suspects appeared virtually in BC provincial court in Surrey on August 7, but their trial was postponed until October 1. Amandeep Singh first appeared in court on May 15, while the other three appeared on May 7. Their first collective court appearance occurred on May 21. They face charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Canadian investigators have yet to confirm any connection to the Indian Government in relation to the murder. However, on May 3, Assistant Commissioner David Teboul of the Federal Policing Program in the Pacific Region mentioned ongoing investigations into potential links to the Indian Government. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) is handling the case.
Nijjar’s assassination has severely strained India-Canada relations. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated in the House of Commons that there were credible allegations of a possible link between Indian agents and Nijjar’s murder. India dismissed these allegations as “absurd” and “motivated.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who was Hardeep Singh Nijjar?
Hardeep Singh Nijjar was a pro-Khalistan figure.
Were any suspects assaulted in custody?
One suspect may have been assaulted at Surrey Pretrial Centre.
How many people were arrested in connection with Nijjar’s murder?
Four people were arrested.
Is there any confirmed link to the Indian Government in Nijjar’s murder?
No, Canadian investigators have not confirmed any link to the Indian Government.
When is the trial for the suspects scheduled to resume?
The trial is adjourned till October 1.
