Court Appearance: Three Charged with Sikh Activist’s Murder Attend in Person, Fourth Joins via Video Link

A judge in British Columbia has ordered four individuals from India who are accused of murdering Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar to avoid contact with certain members of the community in their latest court appearance.

Three of the suspects—Karan Brar, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karanpreet Singh—appeared in person for the first time in B.C. Provincial Court in Surrey, while the fourth suspect appeared via video link.

The suspects present in person wore red prison sweatsuits as they entered the courtroom, while Amandeep Singh remained in custody in Ontario for unrelated weapons offenses before being arrested on May 10 in connection with Mr. Nijjar’s murder.

Judge Emmet Duncan spoke to the men through an interpreter as he imposed the no-contact order, and the next appearance for the suspects is scheduled for June 25.

Prosecutor Marcel Daigle mentioned that the Crown will use the time until the next hearing to provide the suspects’ lawyers with the necessary evidence disclosure.

Attendees at the hearing underwent searches before entering the courthouse, and supporters of Mr. Nijjar and the Sikh separatist movement he supported rallied outside.

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All four individuals from India are facing charges of murder and conspiracy in connection with the killing last year, which caused tensions between Canada and India.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has stated that credible intelligence points to involvement from the Indian government in Mr. Nijjar’s death, though India has denied any involvement.

Mr. Nijjar was a prominent figure in organizing overseas voting for an independent Sikh state in India and was fatally shot in the parking lot of the Surrey temple where he served as president in June 2023.

Security at the hearing stored attendees’ phones in sealed bags and bins outside the courtroom, with the judge reminding everyone that recording audio and taking photos was prohibited.

Outside the courthouse, Sikhs gathered with signs and flags displaying Khalistan, the desired homeland for the Sikh community.

After the hearing, B.C. Gurdwaras Council spokesman Moninder Singh mentioned that those present outside were showing support for the community, Mr. Nijjar’s family, and the Khalistan movement.

“We won’t be silenced,” Mr. Singh stated. “I think that’s the biggest thing for people right now is that we won’t give in to the fear and the violence that India is trying to incite.”