The four Indian nationals accused of murdering Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar have been granted bail by a Canadian court. The accused—Karan Brar, Amandeep Singh, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karanpreet Singh—were charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in connection with Nijjar’s killing in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023.
The trial has been moved to the British Columbia Supreme Court, with the next hearing scheduled for February 11, 2025. This development follows their arrest in May 2024 by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) from various parts of Canada.
Case Background
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent pro-Khalistan leader, was gunned down in what was described as a targeted assassination outside a Sikh temple in Surrey. His death sparked global attention after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of involvement in the killing. India strongly denied the allegations, calling them “baseless” and demanding evidence from the Canadian authorities.
The accusations have further strained diplomatic relations between India and Canada, which have been at odds over the contentious issue of Khalistani extremism.
Court Proceedings
The accused were released on bail after court documents showed delays in presenting evidence by the prosecution during preliminary hearings, which drew criticism. The Canadian government invoked a “direct indictment,” transferring the case from the Surrey Provincial Court to the British Columbia Supreme Court. This legal measure bypasses the need for a preliminary inquiry, fast-tracking the case to trial.
According to court records, the status of all four defendants has been marked as “N,” indicating they are not currently in custody. The release, under “stay of proceedings,” allows the accused to remain out of detention under specific conditions while awaiting trial.
Publication Ban on Pre-Trial Proceedings
An interim publication ban has been imposed on pre-trial proceedings at the request of the Crown and with the consent of the defense counsel. This restricts public access to updates on case management discussions and pre-trial motions.
“Some pre-trial motions will be held before the actual trial, but we cannot provide an estimate yet regarding the duration of the pre-trial period,” a Prosecution Service official stated.
Implications for Canada
The release of the accused is being viewed as a potential setback for the Canadian government, particularly after its strong initial stance against India. Critics argue that delays and the apparent lack of substantial evidence have weakened Canada’s position in the high-profile case.
The assassination has polarized the Sikh diaspora in Canada, with some groups supporting Nijjar’s pro-Khalistan ideology while others oppose it. The case has also deepened the diplomatic rift between India and Canada, leaving questions about how the trial’s outcome might impact future relations between the two nations.
As the legal battle unfolds, all eyes are on the British Columbia Supreme Court for the trial’s next phase, scheduled to begin in February 2025.
