India has strongly denied claims made by Canadian authorities that link Indian agents to criminal gangs in Canada. The head of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Mike Duheme, has asked members of Canada’s Sikh community to share any information related to violent activities involving the Indian government, including murders and extortion. Duheme emphasized that people come to Canada for safety, and it is the police's job to maintain that safety. His remarks come as tensions rise between Canada and India over allegations that Indian agents were involved in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan figure, in June 2022.
India has called these accusations “unsubstantiated,” suggesting they are part of Canadian “vote-bank politics” ahead of upcoming elections. The RCMP has made several arrests related to violent crimes but has not provided any evidence connecting the Indian government to Nijjar's murder. Additionally, the RCMP stated that some Canadians have been warned they might be targets of harassment from people linked to Indian agents.
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In response to these claims, India has expelled six Canadian diplomats, including Canada’s High Commissioner, and reduced its diplomatic presence in Canada. Sources in New Delhi criticized Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his approach to the situation, claiming he is trying to appease pro-Khalistan groups and gain political advantage. Amid this diplomatic crisis, the RCMP continues to gather information, but they have yet to release concrete evidence to support their allegations against Indian officials.