Four Indian nationals accused of murdering pro-Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar remain in custody following mandatory detention orders by a British Columbia court.
Ann Seymour, Acting Communications Counsel for the BC Prosecution Service, confirmed, “The court imposed mandatory detention orders on all four accused. They remain in custody, and no bail hearings are scheduled.”
Seymour addressed online speculation suggesting the accused had been released, clarifying on Thursday that they continue to be detained. The individuals in question are Karan Brar, Kamalpreet Singh, Karanpreet Singh, and Amandeep Singh.
The detention orders mandate that the accused remain behind bars until their trial. Although a judge could review potential bail applications in the future, bail is considered unlikely due to the gravity of the charges, which include first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
This latest development comes amid reports that the Canadian Supreme Court had previously granted bail to four Indian nationals due to insufficient evidence. The case has added further tension to already strained India-Canada relations. India has repeatedly raised concerns about extremism, violence, and anti-India activities in Canada, urging Canadian authorities to take stricter measures.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot dead on June 18, 2023, in Surrey, British Columbia. In September, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told Parliament about “credible allegations” pointing to potential involvement by Indian agents in Nijjar’s assassination. India dismissed these allegations as “absurd” and “politically motivated.”
The arrests of Brar, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karanpreet Singh took place in and around Edmonton in May 2023. Amandeep Singh, who was already in the custody of Peel Regional Police, faced formal charges in November 2023 for 9 offenses, including unauthorized possession of firearms and controlled substances.
A direct indictment means the accused will bypass a preliminary hearing and move straight to trial. Given the case’s complexity, an extended period of pretrial motions is expected. The four accused first appeared in court on November 18.
Their next scheduled appearance is on February 11, 2025, for a case management conference, during which pretrial motions will be outlined, and trial dates are likely to be determined.
