Canada arrests suspects in murder of Sikh leader that sparked riot with India

NOS News•today, 05:17

Three men have been arrested in Canada for the murder of a Sikh leader almost a year ago. He was shot dead by masked men in a parking lot of a Sikh temple near Vancouver. In the aftermath of that murder, a diplomatic row erupted between India and Canada.

The victim, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, was considered a terrorist by the Indian government because he fought for a separate state for Sikhs in northern India. Followers of the religious leader therefore pointed to India after the murder. Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau went a step further in September: he said in Parliament that there were “credible allegations” that India was involved in the murder.

These statements led to major tensions between Canada and India. Delhi spoke of absurd and unfounded allegations. As a result of the tensions, Canada withdrew dozens of diplomats. India, in turn, tightened its travel advice for Canada due to “increasing anti-India activities”.

The men who have now been arrested are of Indian origin and aged 22 to 28. They lived in Canada for three to five years and stayed in the city of Edmonton, more than 500 miles as the crow flies from the murder scene. All three have been charged with murder.

Canadian police are continuing to investigate the case and are also looking into links between the suspects and the Indian government.

Canada has the largest Sikh community outside India. About 770,000 Sikhs live in the North American country.