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The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on May 9 said that while there was no official communique from Canada regarding the arrest of three Indian nationals there in connection with the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Spokesperson for the MEA, Randhir Jaiswal, confirmed during a press briefing that Canada has, however, informed about the arrest of three Indian nationals arrested in the case and said no further information was available.
To another question about the evidence in the case, he said, “No specific or relevant evidence or information has been shared by the Canadian authorities in regard to this particular matter till date.”
“Obviously there are political interests at work. We have long maintained that separatist, extremist and those advocating violence have been given political space in Canada. Our diplomats have been threatened with impunity and obstructed in their performance of duties. We have also pointed out to the Canadian authorities that figures associated with organised crime with links in India have been allowed entry and residency. Many of our extradition requests are pending with them. We are having discussions at the diplomatic level on all these matters with the Canadian side,” he added.
Meanwhile, three Indian nationals accused of killing Nijjar in 2023, have appeared before a Canadian court through video for the first time to face homicide charges in the case.
Karan Brar, 22; Kamalpreet Singh, 22; and Karanpreet Singh, 28, all Indian nationals residing in Edmonton, were arrested and charged on May 3 with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
The three believed to be members of an alleged hit squad appeared before the Surrey Provincial Court in British Columbia province, according to reports from the Canadian media.
(With PTI inputs)
