Canada and India at Odds: RCMP Seeks Information on Alleged Violent Activities

Canada and India at Odds: The head of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Commissioner Mike Duheme, is urging Canada’s Sikh community to come forward with any information regarding allegations that the Indian government is linked to violent activities in Canada. These activities include homicides, extortion, and intimidation. In an interview with Radio-Canada, Duheme stated, “If people come forward, we can help them, and I ask them to do so if they can.” He emphasized that people come to Canada to feel safe, and it is the responsibility of law enforcement to ensure a secure living environment.

Growing Tensions Between Canada and India

Duheme’s comments come amid escalating diplomatic tensions between Canada and India. This situation arose after Canada accused Indian government agents of involvement in the June 2022 murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan activist who is designated as a terrorist in India. The allegations have not been substantiated, leading to a backlash from the Indian government.

India’s Strong Denial

India has firmly rejected Canada’s accusations, labeling them as “unsubstantiated” and politically motivated. Officials in New Delhi argue that the claims stem from “vote-bank politics” in Canada, particularly with elections approaching next year. They also criticize Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for allegedly catering to pro-Khalistan groups and using the diplomatic dispute for his political advantage.

Criminal Links and Ongoing Investigations

During a recent press conference, Commissioner Duheme claimed that Indian diplomats and consular officials may be linked to criminal gangs in Canada, such as the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. He stated that this gang has been involved in various violent incidents, including homicides and extortion. The RCMP has charged eight individuals with homicide and 22 others with extortion related to these investigations. However, no direct evidence connecting the Indian government to Nijjar’s murder has been publicly presented. Assistant Commissioner Brigitte Gauvin revealed that since September 2023, 13 Canadians have been warned that they could be targets of harassment or threats from individuals associated with Indian agents.

Diplomatic Consequences

In response to the allegations from Canada, India has expelled six Canadian diplomats, including Canada’s High Commissioner to India, and reduced its diplomatic presence in Canada. These diplomats are expected to leave India by the weekend, and India has also announced that it will withdraw its High Commissioner from Ottawa.

Ongoing Investigation Without Public Evidence

Despite the serious nature of the allegations, the RCMP has not provided concrete evidence to support its claims against Indian officials. Nevertheless, the police force insists that it is actively collecting information and that the investigation is ongoing.

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As tensions rise between Canada and India over these allegations, the RCMP continues to seek information from the Sikh community while the Indian government firmly denies any involvement in the alleged violent activities on Canadian soil. The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic relations between the two countries at a critical juncture.