"They have been charged with murder in the first degree."
Three suspects were charged with the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
In June 2023, Sikh activist Nijjar was shot dead by masked gunmen in a Vancouver car park.
The location was in front of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara.
Superintendent Mandeep Mooker revealed that the three suspects were Karan Brar and Kamal Preet Singh, both aged 22, and 28-year-old Karan Preet Singh.
At the time of their arrests, the three men were living in Edmonton, Alberta.
According to court records, they have been charged with murder in the first degree.
The killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar kicked off an infamous controversy that depicted a diplomatic row between India and Canada.
Police added that investigations were continuing, including into “connections to the government of India”.
Assistant Commissioner David Teboul said: “There are separate and distinct investigations ongoing into these matters.
“Certainly not limited to the involvement of the people arrested today.”
The police added that others may be involved in the murder, and further arrests may be made.
Relations between India and Canada soured after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that India was involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Mr Trudeau said: “Any involvement of a foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil is an unacceptable violation of our sovereignty.
“Canada is a rule-of-law country, the protection of our citizens in defence of our sovereignty are fundamental.
“Our top priorities have therefore been one, that our law enforcement and security agencies ensure the continued safety of all Canadians.
“And two, that all steps be taken to hold perpetrators of this murder to account.”
Denying the claims, India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement that read:
“We are a democratic polity with a strong commitment to rule of law.”
Hardeep Singh Nijjar was a strong advocate of the Khalistani movement, which seeks an independent homeland for Sikhs in Punjab, India.
India previously claimed Nijjar was part of a plan to murder a priest in Punjab, offering a reward of £9,600.
India has in the past described Nijjar as a terrorist who led a militant separatist group.
Those close to Hardeep Singh Nijjar have alleged that he was warned by Canadian intelligence services prior to his death.
He apparently also faced death threats and was on a “hit list”.






