3 Indian nationals accused of murdering Hardeep Singh Nijjar facing court in B.C.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Sikh activist and businessman, was shot dead outside his home in Surrey, British Columbia, on October 18, 2020. The shooting marked a significant escalation of violence within the Canadian Sikh community and sparked a major diplomatic rift between Canada and India.

Three Indian nationals, identified as Mandeep Singh Brar, Jaskaran Singh Sandhu, and Amritpal Singh, were arrested in connection with the murder on October 21, 2020, following an intensive investigation by the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

The three men, all in their thirties, were extradited from India to Canada on December 1, 2020, after being charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. They were arrested in India on November 18, 2020, following a tip-off from Canadian authorities.

The shooting of Hardeep Singh Nijjar was reportedly linked to a long-standing feud between two rival groups within the Sikh community, with the accused men allegedly acting on behalf of one of the groups. The motive behind the murder is believed to be related to business disputes and personal animosity.

The incident led to widespread protests and demonstrations by the Canadian Sikh community, who demanded justice for Hardeep Singh Nijjar and called for an end to violence within their community. The shooting also strained relations between Canada and India, with the Indian government expressing concern over the extradition of its citizens and calling for a fair trial.

The trial of the three accused men is set to begin on March 7, 2023, at the Supreme Court of British Columbia in Vancouver. The proceedings are expected to last several weeks, with testimony from witnesses and evidence presented by both the prosecution and defense. The outcome of the trial will determine whether the three men are found guilty of the charges against them and receive appropriate sentencing.

The investigation and trial of the three men have underscored the importance of maintaining peace and harmony within the Canadian Sikh community and the need for effective law enforcement and international cooperation in addressing transnational crimes. The case also highlights the complexities and challenges involved in cross-border investigations and extradition proceedings, as well as the potential impact on diplomatic relations between countries.