• Source:JND
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As diplomatic tensions mount between India and Canada, Canadian law enforcement has denied allegations that there was a delay in starting the investigation of the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. They further refused that the officers arrived late at the murder spot of Nijjar. According to a report by The Washington Post, at least six men, including Sikhs and two vehicles, were involved in the murder of Nijjar on June 18.

They revealed that after 12 to 20 minutes of the firing, the police had arrived at the spot. "An 'hours-long tussle' between Surrey police and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or RCMP over leading the investigation caused a further delay." the media outlet reported citing a witness.

However, all the claims were refuted by the Canadian Police, who issued a statement the next day and said the first information of the incident came at 8.27 p.m. and the first officers to respond reached the spot in under four minutes with more joining them soon after.

"It was suggested that there was a conflict regarding which police agency would ‘head the investigation’, however as the police of jurisdiction, Surrey RCMP is responsible for all police investigations in Surrey. There is nothing to indicate this investigation was delayed in any way, either in the initial response or in subsequent investigative steps,” they said in the statement.

“We are confident all necessary investigational steps are being taken to hold those responsible for the homicide accountable,” the statement added. The statement also mentioned post-killing effects in the area and how security has heightened ever since. It said, the “public act of violence” has caused “members of our community to feel unsafe”. Following the incident, Police have increased patrols around gurdwaras and temples.

“Surrey RCMP’s Diversity Unit has met with the Sikh and Hindu communities in Surrey and the unit continues to work closely with them to foster communication and engagement,” it said.

Notably, Canada has yet to provide any public evidence to support the claim about the slaying of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar went all guns blazing and highlighted the "organised crime, related to secessionist forces, violence and extremism" in Canada. He said," In the last few years, Canada actually has seen a lot of organized crime, relating to the secessionist forces, organized crime, violence and extremism. They're all very, very deeply mixed up. So in fact, we have been talking about specifics and information."

He further stressed that the Indian government has provided the Canadian side with a lot of information about the crime, and there has been a large number of extradition requests. "We have given them a lot of information about organized crime and leadership, which operates out of Canada. There are a large number of extradition requests. There are terrorist leaders, who have been identified," he added.