Justin Trudeau confirms arrest of trio, India says it has no official information yet | India News

NEW DELHI: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stepped up arrests of three Indian nationals last week over the murder of pro-Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, saying Canada is a “rule of law” country with a fundamental commitment to all its to protect citizens.

Police in Canada have arrested and named the three people who have been charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. They said the investigation was ongoing, suggesting that more unclear details about the killing could soon emerge, some of which may be related to the previously unfounded claims of Indian involvement. Canada has not yet provided any evidence to support its case against India and, according to Indian authorities, Canadian authorities have not yet provided India with details of the charges against the arrested Indian men.

Regarding the arrests, Trudeau stressed Saturday that this was important because Canada is a country governed by the rule of law with a “strong and independent justice system.” He made the comments at an event in Toronto to celebrate Sikh culture and heritage.

“As the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) stated, the investigation is ongoing, as is a separate and distinct investigation that is not limited to the involvement of the three people arrested yesterday,” said Trudeau, who was the latest to make his allegations A diplomatic crisis with India was raised in Parliament last year that Indian agents might have killed Nijjar.

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Trudeau went on to say that every Canadian has the fundamental right to live safely in Canada and free from discrimination and threats of violence, while acknowledging that Sikhs in Canada felt unsafe following Nijjar's killing, according to local media reports.

The arrests came days after a Washington Post report identified an Indian official who allegedly masterminded a foiled plot in the United States to eliminate another Sikh separatist, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, and who may have been involved in similar attacks in Canada may have been involved. Ottawa says it is coordinating its approach with the USA.

In another development last week, a Canadian public inquiry that accused China of meddling in Canada's electoral process also blamed India for foreign interference. Although India has not officially responded, government sources said the report was a “sham” and a self-serving exercise. Commenting on the arrests, sources said the matter could only be investigated if Canada provided details of the charges.

Regarding the allegations of Indian involvement, Canada has actually not denied that it has not yet shared any evidence with India. However, it also said earlier this year that as the investigation progresses, police will be able to share more information that India can take into account.