Three Indian nationals, identified as Kamalpreet Singh, Karanpreet Singh, and Karan Brar, faced trial in the British Columbia Provincial Court on May 7, 2024, in connection with the murder of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.

According to the media reports, the accused had been residing in Canada under temporary citizenship for five years.

The courtroom was filled with supporters of the Khalistan movement during the hearing, highlighting the significant interest in the case. Outside, a sizable crowd waved Khalistan flags and chanted slogans against the Modi government, calling for justice in Nijjar’s killing.

Superintendent Mandeep Mokar disclosed alleged connections between the arrested individuals and the Modi government, stating that all investigations had pointed in that direction.

This development comes after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s assertion last year, supported by global intelligence agencies like Five Eyes, implicating the Modi government in Nijjar’s assassination.

The incident reflects a broader trend, as Indian nationals have faced legal proceedings in the United States for similar offenses. Notably, individuals such as Nikhil Gupta were arrested for attempting to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

The seriousness of these crimes has garnered international attention, with US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller urging India to address the issue seriously.