Canada Arrests Three Indian Nationals in Connection with Murder of Sikh Leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar

Canadian authorities have arrested three Indian nationals in connection with the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a 45-year-old Sikh activist who was shot dead outside his gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia on June 18, 2023. The men are accused of conspiring to commit first-degree murder and using a firearm to carry out the killing. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has previously linked the murder to the Indian government, citing "credible allegations" supported by information from the United States. India has denied any involvement, calling the claims "absurd". Nijjar was viewed as a terrorist by New Delhi due to his separatist views, and tensions between Sikhs and Hindus were reportedly escalating at the time of his death. The Indian government took steps that led Canada to withdraw over 40 diplomats in response to Trudeau's allegations.