New Delhi: A recent report by The Washington Post sheds new light on the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, revealing a coordinated attack involving at least six individuals who arrived in two vehicles at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in British Columbia, Canada, on June 18. This revelation is based on a review of video footage, along with eyewitness accounts from members of the Sikh community who were present during the attack.
The Washington Post’s investigation suggests that Nijjar’s killing was more organized than previously reported. The attackers, two of whom were wearing hooded sweatshirts, fired approximately 50 bullets during the attack, with 34 of them hitting Nijjar. The attackers arrived in two vehicles outside the gurdwara, and their actions appear to have been well-coordinated.
Video Evidence of the Attack
The report states that the gurdwara’s security camera captured the entire incident, and this footage has been shared with investigators. The video, which spans 90 seconds, provides crucial insights into the attack. It shows Nijjar’s grey pickup truck leaving a parking space, followed by a white sedan that drives parallel to the truck. The vehicles initially maintain a separation, but when the truck accelerates, the sedan matches its pace. The two vehicles briefly drive side by side.
The video then depicts two men in hooded sweatshirts emerging from under a covered waiting area and approaching the truck. Both men brandish firearms directed at the driver’s seat. Subsequently, the sedan exits the parking lot, disappearing from view, while the two armed individuals flee in the same direction.
The report cites Bhupinderjit Singh, a gurdwara volunteer, who was the first person to reach Nijjar’s truck. Singh opened the driver’s side door and attempted to assist Nijjar but found him unresponsive.
Another member of the Gurdwara committee, Malkit Singh, recounted witnessing two hooded men fleeing toward the neighboring Cougar Creek Park. He pursued them through the park and noted that they were wearing a Sikh get-up, with hoodies covering small pughs on their heads and masks concealing their bearded faces. These individuals joined three others in a waiting silver car.
Eyewitnesses reported that it took between 12 and 20 minutes for the first police officers to arrive at the scene after the gunshots were fired. They also alleged that authorities have provided limited information about the investigation into the June 18 incident. According to witnesses, police response was delayed, and disputes between different agencies further prolonged the situation.
US Intelligence and Diplomatic Tensions
The Washington Post’s report comes shortly after The New York Times revealed that the United States had shared intelligence with Canada regarding Nijjar’s killing. Ottawa intercepted communications that led to accusations against India of orchestrating the plot. This development has heightened diplomatic tensions between India and Canada following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations of potential Indian involvement in Nijjar’s murder.
India had designated Nijjar, the leader of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), as a terrorist in 2020. The United States has encouraged India to cooperate with Canada in its investigations, further emphasizing the complexity of this international incident.
