In the backdrop of diplomatic disputes with India, Canadian police have made an appeal to the Sikh community. The Indian government has vehemently rejected Canadian authorities' attempts to link Indian agents to criminal gangs in Canada.
Amid ongoing investigations into allegations linking the Indian government to violent activities in Canada, including murder, robbery, and intimidation, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Commissioner Mike Duheme has urged members of the Sikh community to come forward with information. "If people come forward, we can assist them, and I encourage them to do so if they can," Duheme said in an interview with Radio-Canada.
"People come to Canada to be safe, and ensuring they are in a secure environment is our duty as law enforcement."
These comments come amid escalating diplomatic tensions between Canada and India, triggered by Ottawa's unfounded allegations of Indian agents' involvement in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan activist designated as a terrorist in India, in June 2022.
India has strongly condemned these allegations, labeling them as "baseless" and a result of "vote bank politics" in Canada, especially with elections approaching next year. Duheme alleged that Indian diplomats and consular officials had ties with criminal gangs in Canada, including the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which have engaged in various violent activities, including murders and robberies. In connection with these investigations, the RCMP has laid murder charges against eight individuals and robbery charges against another 22; however, no direct evidence linking the Indian government to Nijjar's murder has been publicly disclosed.
Assistant Commissioner Brigitte Gowin warned that since September 2023, 13 Canadians might face harassment or intimidation by individuals associated with Indian agents.
In response to Canada's claims, India has firmly rejected them, stating that they are politically motivated. New Delhi sources have refuted that Canadian authorities have shared any evidence regarding India's involvement in the Najjar case.
Critics have pointed out that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's approach to appease pro-Khalistan groups and his use of the diplomatic dispute for domestic political gain have raised concerns.
India has reacted by expelling six Canadian diplomats, including the High Commissioner of Canada in India, and reducing its diplomatic presence in Canada. Over the weekend, these diplomats may have left India, and India announced the withdrawal of its own High Commissioner from Ottawa.
Amid the diplomatic storm, the RCMP has not publicly presented concrete evidence to support its allegations against Indian officials. However, the police department stated that it continues to gather information, and the investigation is ongoing.