Canadian Investigation into Hardeep Nijjar’s Death Compromised, Claims India’s High Commissioner to Canada

India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, has reaffirmed New Delhi’s position regarding the diplomatic dispute with Canada and called upon Ottawa to provide evidence supporting its allegations concerning the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Mr Verma conveyed these statements during an interview with the Canadian media outlet, The Globe and Mail, on Friday.

The developments followed Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s assertion of the involvement of “agents of the Indian government” in Nijjar’s killing in June.

India promptly dismissed these allegations as “absurd and motivated” and responded by expelling a Canadian diplomat, escalating tensions between the two nations.

Mr. Verma emphasized that India has not been presented with concrete evidence by Canada or its allies to substantiate the alleged Indian involvement in Nijjar’s death.

He further implied that Prime Minister Trudeau’s public statements had adversely affected the ongoing Canadian police investigation into the incident.

“We have not received specific or pertinent information in this case that would enable us to cooperate with their investigation,” Mr. Verma stated.

“Where is the evidence? Where is the conclusion of the investigation? I would go a step further and assert that the investigation has already been compromised. It appears that a directive from a high-ranking authority has alleged India’s or Indian agents’ involvement,” The Globe and Mail quoted him as saying.

In an effort to ease strained relations, India has resumed visa services in Canada for four specific categories, after suspending these services in September with the notice of “further notice.”

Last month, Canada withdrew 41 diplomats from India, following New Delhi’s concerns over parity in diplomatic representation.

Ottawa also suspended visa and consular services at its consulates in Chandigarh, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

While firmly denying India’s involvement in Nijjar’s killing, Mr. Verma underscored that conversations between diplomats are confidential and cannot be used as evidence in court or publicly disclosed.

“You are talking about illegal wiretaps and discussing evidence. Conversations between two diplomats are protected by all international laws,” he pointed out. “Show me how you intercepted these conversations. Prove that someone did not impersonate the voice.”

When asked whether Ottawa had requested India’s extradition of any individuals linked to the Nijjar case, Mr. Verma responded, “Those discussions remain confidential between the two governments.”

The High Commissioner revealed that he has been provided with security by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) due to threats against him.

“I consider it hate speech and an incitement to violence,” Mr. Verma stated, expressing concerns about his safety and that of his consul generals. “God forbid if anything were to happen.”

Regarding steps to mend diplomatic relations, Mr. Verma asserted that both sides must ensure that any disputes are addressed “through professional communication and professional dialogue.”

Referring to Nijjar’s killing, he remarked, “Let the investigation follow its course,” but he also called on Canada to address the “fundamental issue.”

“Do not permit your soil to be exploited by a group of Canadian citizens who seek to dismember India,” he warned. “Who aim to challenge India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” He added, “There must be established rules and laws in place.”

Meanwhile, a recent poll conducted by Nanos Research for The Globe and Mail indicates that a majority of Canadians want the Canadian government to disclose the evidence that led Trudeau to accuse India of involvement in Nijjar’s killing. The poll found that seven in ten respondents either agreed or somewhat agreed with this demand, while two in ten disagreed or somewhat disagreed.

Parvasi Media Group