Canadian police have alerted an aide to a Sikh leader assassinated in British Columbia last year about an increased threat to his life, a prominent Sikh separatist reported on Tuesday. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun stated that Ontario police, in collaboration with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, issued a “duty to warn” notice to Inderjeet Singh Gosal this week.
Gosal had served as an aide to Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot dead in June 2023. Later that year, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau mentioned credible allegations suggesting possible involvement of the Indian government in the murder. Following this, police charged four men with the killing. India denies any involvement in the incident.
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation recently announced an investigation into an August 11 drive-by shooting targeting a California activist closely associated with Nijjar. New Delhi claims Canada shelters Sikh separatists aiming to establish Khalistan, a proposed homeland carved out of India’s Punjab region.
#BREAKING Inderjeet Singh Gosal, 35, a Pro-Khalistan activist in Brampton, Ont., said Ontario Provincial Police warned him his #life is in #danger🚨 pic.twitter.com/wGP83S5Xfy
— CarraDeShaukeen (@CarraDeShaukeen) August 28, 2024
Pannun quoted Gosal saying, “I’ve been informed by Canadian officials about the threats to my life. However, my commitment to the liberation of Punjab from Indian occupation remains unwavering.” Neither the RCMP nor the Ontario police were immediately available for comment. Canadian Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc’s office, responsible for law enforcement, also declined to comment.
In June 2023, the FBI thwarted an alleged assassination attempt against Pannun. Indian national Nikhil Gupta has been charged with attempting to arrange the murder under the direction of an Indian intelligence official.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The New York Times provides extensive coverage of global news, including political campaigns, economic proposals, and international conflicts.(read more)
- Global News reports that Inderjeet Singh Gosal, a pro-Khalistan activist, has been warned by Canadian police that his life is in danger due to his role in organizing a referendum on Khalistan independence, which India opposes.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who was Hardeep Singh Nijjar?
Hardeep Singh Nijjar was a Sikh separatist leader assassinated in British Columbia in June 2023.
What is the ‘duty to warn’ notice?
The ‘duty to warn’ notice is an official alert issued by police about an increased threat to someone’s life.
Did the Canadian Prime Minister comment on Nijjar’s murder?
Yes, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau cited credible allegations of possible Indian government involvement in Nijjar’s murder.
Is the FBI involved in any related investigations?
Yes, the FBI is investigating an August 11 drive-by shooting targeting a California activist linked to Nijjar.
What is Khalistan?
Khalistan is a proposed independent homeland for Sikhs, envisioned to be carved out of the Indian region of Punjab.