Two teenagers have been arrested and charged in connection with a shooting incident targeting Simranjeet Singh, an associate of the late pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This development comes amidst ongoing tensions between India and Canada following Nijjar’s killing in June 2023.
Nijjar’s death sparked controversy after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggested potential Indian involvement in the assassination. Pro-Khalistan groups further alleged Indian involvement in the February 1st shooting at Singh’s residence, who had previously organized a protest outside the Indian consulate in Vancouver.
Authorities remain tight-lipped on the identities of the two 16-year-old suspects due to their minor status. However, RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Sarbjit K. Sangha confirmed their arrest on February 12th and the charges of Discharging a Firearm into a Dwelling and Possessing a Loaded Prohibited Firearm.
Separately, the pro-Khalistan group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) had linked the February 12th shooting at a house under construction in Brampton, Ontario, to Indian involvement. The property belonged to Inderjeet Singh Gosal, who played a role in organizing the controversial “Khalistan Referendum” in Surrey after Nijjar’s death. While no updates have been released on that investigation, authorities acknowledge a rise in drive-by shootings targeting residences, often linked to extortion activities, in both British Columbia and the Greater Toronto Area.
This incident underlines the complexities surrounding Nijjar’s death and its impact on India-Canada relations. While the apprehension of the teenagers marks a step forward in the investigation, questions remain regarding potential motives and whether the accusations of foreign involvement hold merit. As the investigations continue, the shadow of Nijjar’s killing continues to cast a long shadow over relations between the two countries.
