3 Indian nationals arrested, charged in murder of Khalistan advocate Hardeep Nijjar (photos of accused & videos)

3 May 2024

“There are separate and distinct investigations ongoing into these matters, certainly not limited to the involvement of the people arrested today, and these efforts include investigating connections to the Government of India.”

THE RCMP announced on Friday that three suspects have been arrested and charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in the June 18, 2023 homicide of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in the parking lot of Surrey’s Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara where he served as president.

The accused are Karan Brar, 22, Kamalpreet Singh, 22, Karanpreet Singh, 28. All three are Indian nationals who were residing in Edmonton where they were arrested on Friday morning at different times without any issues or concerns. They were not known to police.

Police are still investigating if there are any ties to the Government of India. But the officers said that Canadian police’s relationship with Indian police has been “rather challenging and difficult.”

Superintendent Mandeep Mooker, Officer-in-Charge of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT), Assistant Commissioner David Teboul, Commander of the Federal Policing Program in the Pacific Region, and Assistant Commissioner Brian Edwards, Officer-in-Charge of Surrey RCMP Detachment, addressed the media at BC RCMP Headquarters in Surrey.

There are ongoing investigations that police will not comment on.

Mooker said police would not have had success without “the bravery and courage of the Sikh community coming forward.”

Teboul said: “Now, with unequivocal commitment to the administration of Justice, and with reverence to the upcoming judicial proceedings on this matter, we are not able to make any comments about the nature of the evidence collected by police nor can we speak about the motive behind the murder of Mr. Nijjar. However, understanding this situation has attracted considerable and very broad public interest, I will say this matter is still very much under active investigation. I will underscore that today’s announcements are not a complete account of the investigative work currently underway. There are separate and distinct investigations ongoing into these matters, certainly not limited to the involvement of the people arrested today, and these efforts include investigating connections to the Government of India.”

Mooker said: “The investigation does not end here. We are aware that there could be others out there that played a role in this homicide and we remain dedicated to identifying and arresting each one of them.”

He added: “I would like to thank the Nijjar family, the citizens of Surrey and the members of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara Executive, for your patience and support throughout this investigation. I appreciate that the community still has questions, many of which we will not be able to answer at this time, as this investigation now proceeds through the courts system. Again, I thank you for your patience and understanding.”

LATER, IHIT issued a press statement. It recalled that on June 18, 2023, Surrey RCMP received a report of a shooting at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara at 7050 120 Street. First responding members located a man, later identified as 45-year-old Hardeep Singh Nijjar, suffering from fatal gunshot wounds inside a vehicle.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) took conduct of the investigation and has continued to work closely with a number of partner agencies and support services across Canada, as far east as Ontario, including Surrey RCMP, Alberta RCMP and other Lower Mainland Integrated Teams.

On the morning of May 3, 2024, IHIT investigators, with the assistance of members from BC RCMP, Alberta RCMP and the Edmonton Police Service, arrested three men for Nijjar’s murder. The three have now been charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in relation to the homicide: 22-year-old Karan Brar of Edmonton; 22-year-old Kamalpreet Singh of Edmonton; and 28-year-old Karanpreet Singh of Edmonton.

IHIT said it was releasing photos of the accused men in hopes of furthering its investigation.

IHIT also released photographs of a Toyota Corolla, believed to have been used by the suspects in the time leading up to the homicide, in and around the Surrey area.

Anyone who may have seen these individuals or the vehicle, in or around Surrey, in the weeks leading up to the homicide, or anyone with information about the homicide is asked to contact IHIT.

“Today’s charges are the result of 10 months of dedication from the IHIT investigators and it’s many partners across Canada including both RCMP and municipal police services,” said Mooker.

“The investigation does not end here. We are aware that there are others out there that played a role in this homicide and we remain dedicated to identifying and arresting each one of them.”

IHIT is asking anyone with information regarding the investigation to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

MORE TO COME

CBC says arrests made in assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar

3 May 2024

THE CBC reported early Friday morning that Canadian police have arrested members of an alleged hit squad investigators believe was tasked by the government of India with killing Khalistan advocate Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey last June.
CBC reported: “Members of the hit squad are alleged to have played different roles as shooters, drivers and spotters on the day Nijjar was killed at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, according to the sources.”
“The men were arrested Friday during police operations in at least two provinces. Sources said investigators identified the alleged hit squad members in Canada some months ago and have been keeping them under tight surveillance.”

Kamalpreet Singh, Karanpreet Singh and Karan Brar face first-degree murder and conspiracy charges in the Nijjar case, according to documents filed in a Surrey court.
Police were expected to announce the arrests and share some details of their investigation later Friday.

MEANWHILE, the World Sikh Organization said in a statement: “According to reports, the individuals arrested today belong to the “Bishnoi gang” based out of India. The gang’s leader, Lawrence Bishnoi, has been incarcerated in Indian prisons since 2014. He has recently appeared on Indian news media and declaring himself an Indian nationalist and vowing opposition to those who support Khalistan. The Bishnoi gang has been implicated in an expansive extortion network targeting businesses in Canada in at least six different cities. Lawrence Bishnoi also took responsibility for the murder of Punjabi rapper Sidhu Moosewala in May 2022. Moosewala, a former Brampton resident, had begun to speak publicly about Khalistan and discrimination faced by Sikhs in India.”

IN an editorial titled: “A murder plot that cannot be ignored: India must come clean at last,” The Washington Post on Tuesday, noting that last November , the U.S. Justice Department unsealed an indictment containing the charge that an Indian government official led a conspiracy to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a U.S. citizen who is the general counsel for the New York-based Sikhs for Justice, said: “Now, that charge has become even more grave with The Post’s revelation that U.S. officials have identified the plotter as Vikram Yadav, an officer in India’s spy agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), and have concluded the operation was approved by the RAW chief at the time, Samant Goel.”

The editorial said: “It appears those who hatched the conspiracy were working for the highest levels of the government of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. … The Post reports that U.S. spy agencies have tentatively assessed that Mr. Modi’s national security adviser, Ajit Doval, was probably aware of RAW’s plans to kill Sikh activists, but officials said no proof has emerged.”

It pointed out: “According to the indictment, the plotters hired Nikhil Gupta, an associate in India who has been involved in weapons and narcotics trafficking, to “orchestrate the assassination,” including hiring a killer in the United States. At the request of the United States, Mr. Gupta was arrested while traveling to Prague at the end of June and has been charged with murder for hire, which he denies. The killing was not carried out.”

The editorial then noted: “The plot was unfolding just when another Sikh separatist leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, was killed outside a Sikh temple in British Columbia. Nijjar was an associate of Mr. Pannun. According to the indictment, on June 20, two days before Mr. Modi spoke at the White House, the chief plotter, now identified as Mr. Yadav, sent Mr. Gupta a news article about the Canada murder and told him the assassination of Mr. Pannun is a “priority now.” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced in September that Canada had “credible evidence” of India’s involvement in Nijjar’s death.”

The editorial accuses the Biden administration of treating the India case with kid gloves, noting that while CIA Director William J. Burns and other officials have demanded accountability, no expulsions, sanctions or other penalties have been imposed against India.

The editorial said that the United States needed stronger laws and other measures to fight transnational repression, adding that the U.S. Congress is considering legislation and should act.

It pointed out: “How the India case is handled will also send an important signal. If it turns out that India’s security officers plotted to murder on these shores and then escape accountability and punishment for doing so, others will be encouraged to kill with impunity. The United States cannot let this happen.”

‘India directed foreign interference activities related to 2019 and 2021 general elections,’ says report

3 May 2024

THE World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) on Friday, after reviewing the findings of Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue in the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference’s Initial Report, said it welcomed the report’s conclusion that India engages in foreign interference activities in Canada, targeting the Sikh community and that “India directed foreign interference activities related to the 2019 and 2021 general elections.”

The WSO is a member of the “Sikh Coalition” which was granted party standing in the Foreign Interference Commission, along with the BC Gurdwaras Council and the Ontario Gurdwaras Committee.

The report states: “Indian officials, including Canadian-based proxies, engage in a range of activities that seek to influence Canadian communities and politicians. These activities include foreign interference, which aims to align Canada’s position with India’s interest on key issues, particularly with respect to how the Indian government perceives Canada-based supporters of an independent Sikh homeland (Khalistan)”

Other key findings in the report with respect to India include:

* India, without distinction, views all pro-Khalistan political advocacy as a seditious threat.
* Targets of Indian foreign interference are often members of the Indo-Canadian communities, but prominent non-Indo-Canadians are also subject to India’s foreign influence activities.
* “Indian officials in Canada have increasingly relied on Canadian and Canadian-based proxies and the contacts in their networks to conduct foreign interference. This obfuscates any explicit link between India and the foreign interference activities. Proxies liaise and work with Indian intelligence officials in India and in Canada, taking both explicit and implicit direction from them.”
* With respect to the 2019 and 2021 Canadian Federal elections, the report finds that “Indian proxy agents may have attempted to interfere in democratic processes, reportedly including through the clandestine provision of illicit financial support to various Canadian politicians as a means of attempting to secure the election of pro-Indian candidates or gaining influence over candidates who take office. In some instances, the candidates may never know their campaigns received illicit funds”
* In the 2021 elections “Indian officials were observed expressing interest in individual electoral contests and likely hoped pro-Indian candidates would prevail, or, at least, that perceived anti-Indian candidates would not be (re-)elected”
WSO President Danish Singh said: ““We welcome Justice Hogue’s findings that India is engaging in foreign interference activities in Canada targeting the Sikh community but also engaged in interference activities in the 2019 and 2021 Canadian Federal Elections. India’s interference in Canada has been a lived reality for the Sikh community for the past four decades but has largely gone without notice in the mainstream.

“Foreign interference in Canada from India poses a serious threat to our democratic institutions and to the rights guaranteed to all Canadians. For Sikhs, the impact of Indian foreign interference extends beyond just elections and has resulted in actual physical harm. The assassination of Bhai Hardeep Singh Nijjar underscores the consequences faced by those who dare to exercise their freedom of expression in defiance of intimidation by India.

“There have been long-standing efforts to minimize and conceal India’s interference activities in Canada. We are hopeful that today’s report will lead to greater transparency and decisive action to check India’s hostile activities targeting Canada and the Sikh community.”

Pedestrian-involved collision in Surrey (update: roads re-opened)

2 May 2024

UPDATE 10:52 P.M.: All roads have re-opened.

SURREY RCMP on Thursday announced road closures surrounding the intersection of 150 Street and 102 Avenue following a pedestrian-involved collision.

At 5:17 p.m., police received a report of a collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian in the intersection of 150 Street and 102 Avenue. Police located one person with serious injuries.

The investigation is in the early stages and investigators are on scene working to determine the cause of the collision.

The intersection of 150 Street and 102 Avenue is closed in all directions and traffic is being rerouted. Police are recommending drivers to avoid the area as the closures will cause significant congestion on all surrounding routes.

Anyone who was travelling in the area and witnessed the collision or has dash camera footage is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 and quote file 2024-61779.

OBITUARY: SARDARNI RANJIT K RATTAN

2 May 2024

IMG-20240501-WA0002 — Sardarni Ranjit K Rattan

WITH heavy hearts, we are conveying to you that Sardarni Ranjit K Rattan, whose ancestral village was Singawalla, Zila Moga, Punjab, after completing her world journey has peacefully passed away on April 29, 2024. She had been living in Vancouver, BC, since 1967.

Her funeral will be taking place on Monday, May 6 at 2:30 p.m. at Five Rivers Funeral Home located at 7410 Hopcott Road, Delta, BC.

Her antim ardas will take place at SatGuru Ram Singh Sat Sang located at 5588 Joyce Street, Vancouver, at 5 p.m.

For further information please contact:

Bob Rattan (son) at 604-889-1091

Anita Rattan (daughter-in-law) at 604-322-9573

Fraud suspect in multiple Lower Mainland jurisdictions arrested and charged

2 May 2024

SURREY RCMP announced on Thursday that a suspect who committed multiple frauds throughout the Lower Mainland has been arrested and charged.

In January, frontline officers responded to three separate complaints where people were selling merchandise on a social media platform and became victims of fraud. Some victims reported being shown an envelope of money when they met with the buyer, but later discovered they did not receive the agreed-upon payment. Surrey RCMP frontline officers took conduct of the files, as there were similarities in all three investigations.

Upon further review of these investigations, police found more files of the same nature in other cities in the Lower Mainland. This included Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, West Vancouver and Maple Ridge. Surrey RCMP officers took over all of the investigations, and were able to identify a suspect based on the evidence gathered.

The primary investigator with Surrey RCMP frontline was in the process of completing a report to Crown Counsel when he received information that the suspect had been arrested by Toronto Police on April 8.

The officer was able to complete the report to Crown Counsel on an urgent basis which allowed a Canada-wide warrant to be issued with transport custody to Surrey.

Forty-four-year-old Florian Dinca of Quebec is charged with two counts of fraud and nine counts of fraud over $5,000. On April 28, Dinca was transferred to Surrey pre-trial and remains in custody until his next court appearance on May 3.

“This was a complex investigation which included multiple jurisdictions. The primary investigator’s dedication and investigative skills were paramount in identifying the suspect,” says Cpl. Sarbjit K. Sangha, Media Relations Officer.

Anyone who is a victim of fraud is encouraged to contact their local police and make a report.

Secondary suite program launches, creating thousands of more affordable homes for people

2 May 2024

DAVID EBY BC GOV photo — David Eby Photo: BC Government

MORE affordable rental homes are on the way for people in B.C. as the Province launches a three-year pilot of the new Secondary Suite Incentive Program.

“There is an urgent need for more homes British Columbians can actually afford, and many homeowners want to be part of the solution to the housing crisis,” said Premier David Eby on Thursday. “This new incentive program makes it possible for homeowners to add a rental suite to their home, creating thousands of affordable rentals. This is a win for homeowners, a win for renters and a win for communities throughout our province.”

Starting Thursday, May 2, homeowners in most B.C. municipalities and regional districts can apply to the program through BC Housing’s secondary suite website.

The program will offer forgivable loans of as much as 50% of the total cost of renovations, up to a maximum of $40,000, for successful applicants to add a secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit (garden suite, laneway house, carriage home, etc.) on the property of their primary residence.

The loan can be forgiven if the new unit is rented at below market rates for at least five years.

“We’re making it easier and more affordable for homeowners to become part of the solution to the housing shortage,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing. “This program will add thousands of long-term, below-market rental homes to urban and rural communities across B.C. and is one of many collaborative approaches we’re taking through our Homes for People action plan.”

Approximately 1,000 homeowners each year will receive forgivable loans, which will add 3,000 new rental units at below-market rates. Those rates for bachelor, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom-plus units have been set for 2024-25.

To help homeowners navigate the process for a secondary suite, in September 2023,the Province released Home Suite Home, a comprehensive guide to build and manage a rental suite in B.C.

To be eligible, homeowners must also:

* obtain a building and occupancy permit from their local government;

* have a combined gross annual income of homeowners on title of less than $209,420; and

* have a BC Assessment value on their property below the homeowner grant threshold ($2.15 million in 2024).

Homeowners who want to know if they’re eligible for the program can check BC Housing’s website. Eligible applications to the program will be approved on a first-come, first-served basis by BC Housing.

In fall 2023, the B.C. government passed legislation centred on delivering thousands more homes for people where they’re needed most. These actions included establishing new small-scale, multi-unit zoning requirements that permit secondary suites or accessory dwelling units, such as a garden suite or laneway home, in every community in B.C.

The program is part of the Homes for People action plan and a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. Since 2017, the Province has nearly 78,000 homes delivered or underway.

Learn More:

To see rates for bachelor, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom-plus units for 2024-25, visit: https://www.bchousing.org/sites/default/files/media/documents/BC-RAHA-Rent-Affordability-Limit.pdf

For information about the Secondary Suite Incentive Program, to sign up for updates and check eligibility, visit: https://bchousing.org/secondary-suite

To see a quick fact sheet for the Secondary Suite Incentive Program, visit: https://www.bchousing.org/sites/default/files/media/documents/BCH-Secondary-Suite-factsheet-English-April-2024.pdf

To read the Home Suite Home guide, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/HomeSuiteHome

Drugs, firearms, vehicles seized from Burnaby-based drug trafficking organization; 3 arrested

2 May 2024

It is believed the crime group was also planning violence against rival gangs involved in the BC Gang Conflict

FOLLOWING an investigation into a Burnaby-based drug trafficking organization, the Burnaby RCMP Drugs and Organized Crime Section, with the assistance of the Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Team (ERT), on March 22 executed search warrants on two residences located in Burnaby and Coquitlam.

During these searches, officers seized a significant amount of drugs, including more than 10 kilograms of pre-packaged and bulk suspected fentanyl, cocaine, rock cocaine (crack), methamphetamine, xanax, oxycontin and percocet pills.

A handgun, high-capacity magazines, ammunition, a large amount of cash and equipment to make fraudulent credit cards were also seized. A stolen car was recovered while another vehicle thought to be involved in drug trafficking, along with several filled gas cans, were seized as offence-related property.

Three people were arrested and released with a court date.

On April 2, Burnaby RCMP Drugs and Organized Crime Section, with the assistance of ERT, executed a third search warrant on another residence in Burnaby.

This search yielded a large amount of suspected fentanyl and cocaine packaged for street sale along with a handgun with an extended magazine and ammunition. A vehicle was also seized. One person was arrested and released with a court date.

The investigation included the seizure of more than 3,000 hydromorphone (dilaudid) pills as well as methadone. The seized drugs have been sent for further testing.

“This is a significant seizure that not only included a large and bulk quantity of drugs including fentanyl thought to be destined for trafficking, but also included firearms, ammunition, and vehicles involved in criminal activity,” said Chief Superintendent Graham de la Gorgendiere, Burnaby RCMP’s Officer In Charge.

“It is believed these seizures have disrupted a crime group not only involved in drug trafficking, but also planning violence against rival gangs involved in the BC Gang Conflict.”

The investigation is ongoing and charges are pending for multiple suspects.

Amritpal Dhindsa, 22, charged with arson in Surrey townhouse fire

2 May 2024

ON April 26 at approximately 12:30 p.m., Surrey RCMP responded to a report of a fire at a townhouse complex in the 12700-block of 66 Avenue. Police officers along with the Surrey Fire Department attended the scene as multiple neighbouring residences were evacuated as efforts were made to contain the fire.

A total of three units were directly affected by the fire. There were no reported injuries to the occupants of the townhouses. A 22-year-old man was taken into custody.

On Thursday, Surrey RCMP announced that Amritpal Dhindsa, 22, has been charged with arson, assault with a weapon, uttering threats, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose (two counts).

Dhindsa has been remanded until his next court appearance on May 3.

Hardeep Sidhu charged in murder of Pawitarpreet Kaur Sidhu in Surrey

2 May 2024

IHIT Sgt. Timothy Pierotti of IHIT JAY — IHIT Sgt. Timothy Pierotti Photo by JAY SHARMA of Mahi Photo Studio

HARDEEP Sidhu, 39, has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of Pawitarpreet Kaur Sidhu, 33, in Surrey.

On April 26, Surrey RCMP were notified after a woman, later identified as Pawitarpreet Kaur Sidhu was found deceased inside her home. Frontline officers along with Surrey RCMP support units attended and took control of the scene.

Evidence located on scene resulted in the deployment of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT), who have now taken conduct of the investigation, and continue to work closely in partnership with Surrey RCMP, the BC Coroners Service and the Integrated Forensic Identification Section.

On May 1, with the assistance of members of the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU-BC), Hardeep Sidhu of Surrey was taken into custody in relation to the homicide and subsequently charged with second-degree murder.

“This was an isolated incident between parties that were known to each other,” says IHIT Sgt. Timothy Pierotti of IHIT. “We’re asking anyone with information or who had recent contact with the people involved, to contact IHIT immediately.”

IHIT is asking anyone with information regarding the investigation, to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

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