Four Indian nationals arrested in connection with the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar were granted bail by a Canadian court. They are now awaiting their trial, which is set to start next month in Canada’s Supreme Court.

Who are the accused?

The four men—Karan Brar, Kamalpreet Singh, Karanpreet Singh, and Amandeep Singh—were arrested by Canada’s Royal Canadian Mounted Police in May 2023. They are accused of serious crimes, including first-degree murder and plotting to kill, in connection with the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar was shot outside a Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023.

What happens next?

The Surrey Provincial Court has allowed the four men to be released on bail before their trial. The trial will take place in the British Columbia Supreme Court, with the next hearing set for February 11. In this case, the Canadian government has taken an unusual step by skipping the usual process and directly moving the case to trial, which will speed up the legal proceedings.

This case has created tensions between Canada and India. In September 2023, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of being involved in the murder of Nijjar. However, India has strongly denied these accusations. As a result, both countries expelled diplomats, further damaging their relationship. Despite the serious accusations, Canada has not shared any evidence with India. India's external affairs minister, S. Jaishankar, has said that India is open to an investigation if Canada provides any proof or information related to the case.