- By Priyanka Koul
- Fri, 10 Jan 2025 11:44 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Hardeep Singh Nijjar Murder Case: All four Indian nationals accused in the killing of pro-Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar are currently subject to mandatory detention orders issued by a British Columbia court.
“The court imposed mandatory detention orders on all four accused. They remain in custody, and no bail hearings are scheduled,” confirmed Ann Seymour, Acting Communications Counsel for the BC Prosecution Service, which operates under the Ministry of Attorney General.
In response to some online reports suggesting that the four Indian nationals had been released, Seymour clarified on Thursday that they remain in custody.
The accused have been identified as Karan Brar, Kamalpreet Singh, Karanpreet Singh, and Amandeep Singh.
The detention orders mean that they will stay in custody until their trial begins. However, a judge may review a bail application at a later date, though bail is unlikely due to the serious charges they face, including first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Image Credits: ANI
This development comes after the Canadian Supreme Court granted bail to four Indian nationals accused of involvement in the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Reports suggest the release order was issued due to insufficient evidence.
India's relationship with Canada has sharply deteriorated, with India repeatedly expressing concerns over extremism, violence, and anti-India activities within Canada. The Indian government has urged Canadian authorities to take strict action against such activities.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar was killed on June 18, 2023, in Surrey, British Columbia. Three months later, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated in the House of Commons that there were "credible allegations" suggesting a potential link between Indian agents and Nijjar's murder. India has dismissed these charges as “absurd” and “motivated.”
Brar, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karanpreet Singh were arrested in and around Edmonton in May 2023. Amandeep Singh was charged shortly after, while in the custody of Peel Regional Police (PRP), and was arrested in November 2023 on nine charges, including unauthorized possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance.
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For context, a direct indictment means the accused will bypass a preliminary inquiry and proceed directly to trial. Given the complexity of the case, a lengthy period of pretrial applications is expected. The four accused made their first appearance before the Supreme Court on November 18.
Their next appearance is scheduled for February 11, 2025, for a case management conference, where pretrial applications will be scheduled, and trial dates will be set in the new year.
