Nijjar case proceedings in Canada have taken a new turn as the federal government moves to block the disclosure of certain evidence it says could harm national security and international relations. The request comes ahead of a highly anticipated trial over the June 18, 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia a case that has sharply strained diplomatic ties between Canada and India.
Four Indian nationals are accused of involvement in the murder of Nijjar, a prominent pro-Khalistan figure and Canadian coordinator for Sikhs for Justice’s so-called Khalistan Referendum. The trial is not expected to begin before August, as complex pre-trial proceedings continue.
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Government Moves to Withhold Sensitive Information
According to court filings reported by Global News, the Attorney General of Canada has applied for a court order to prevent certain materials from being disclosed during proceedings. The government argues the information is “sensitive” and that its release could be “injurious to international relations and national security.”
A publication ban remains in place covering submissions and materials presented during case management hearings, pre-trial conferences, and related applications.
Diplomatic Fallout Between Canada and India
The Nijjar killing triggered a major diplomatic crisis after then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told the House of Commons in September 2023 that there were “credible allegations” linking Indian agents to the murder.
India strongly rejected the accusation, calling it “absurd” and “motivated.” Relations between the two countries deteriorated significantly following Trudeau’s remarks.
India’s High Commissioner to Ottawa, Dinesh Patnaik, recently stated that New Delhi would cooperate with Canadian authorities if credible evidence emerges implicating individuals within the Indian establishment.
“If we find there are elements within our own establishment who have done something wrong, we will ourselves take action,” Patnaik said, while emphasizing that no such evidence has been made public so far.
Four Accused Remain in Custody
The four accused Karan Brar, Kamalpreet Singh, Karanpreet Singh and Amandeep Singh face charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. All remain in custody under mandatory detention orders.
Three of the suspects were arrested in and around Edmonton in May 2024. Amandeep Singh was charged days later while already in custody of Peel Regional Police, following his March 2024 arrest on nine separate charges, including unauthorized possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance.
A spokesperson for the British Columbia Prosecution Service confirmed that the case remains in the pre-trial phase and will continue in that stage for some time. Trial dates have not yet been set, but proceedings are not expected to begin before August due to the complexity of pre-trial applications.
U.S. Case Adds New Dimension
The case has also drawn international attention following developments in the United States. Earlier this month, Indian national Nikhil Gupta pleaded guilty to charges related to an alleged plot targeting Gurpatwant Pannun, general counsel of Sikhs for Justice.
A statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York linked Gupta’s actions to Nijjar’s killing. According to the statement, on or about June 19, 2023 the day after Nijjar’s death Gupta allegedly told an undercover agent that Nijjar “was also the target” and that there were “so many targets.” The statement added that Gupta suggested there was “now no need to wait” to kill the intended victim.
Ongoing Investigation and Intelligence Links
Canadian authorities reportedly focused investigative attention on India after receiving intelligence from British counterparts. However, details of that intelligence have not been publicly disclosed.
As the legal process unfolds, the Nijjar case remains a focal point in Canada-India relations, with both governments under scrutiny as courts prepare to determine the facts surrounding one of the most diplomatically sensitive criminal cases in recent years.