TORONTO, Canada (Diya TV)—  The Canadian government has issued a direct indictment in the murder case of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the Sikh separatist leader, bringing on four Indian nationals for trial without preliminary hearing. This rarely employed tactic in Canada is designed to speed high-profile cases, adding weight to the already highly charged case straining diplomatic relations between Ottawa and New Delhi.

The four individuals, whose names remain undisclosed, are accused of orchestrating Nijjar’s assassination outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023. Nijjar was a vocal advocate for an independent Sikh state, known as Khalistan, and his killing has heightened tensions within the Sikh community and between the Canadian and Indian governments.

In Canada, a direct indictment circumvents the preliminary hearing process of determining by a judge whether there is sufficient evidence to warrant a trial. It is usually preserved for cases of great public importance or where undue delays may work to the prejudice of the administration of justice. According to the RCMP, they have collected a good amount of proof against the murder suspect. However, they have declined to publicly disclose all the information they have collected about the alleged murderer.

The direct indictment is likely to keep the case in the public eye, with both Canadian and Indian officials closely watching its progress. This does not help in the dispute that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has previously suggested possible involvement of agents from India in Nijjar’s killing; India has denied such claims. The accusations by Trudeau have since caused a diplomatic dispute between the two nations, with each country expelling diplomats and suspending some trade talks.

Nijjar’s death has become an emotive site of controversy in the wider context of Sikh activism in Canada, where many Sikhs sympathize with the Khalistan movement. Given the history of violence associated with the Khalistan movement, India considers these efforts a security threat and designated Nijjar as a terrorist. So the Indian government has maintained its demand that Canada crack down on pro-Khalistan activities in its borders.

The four suspects are likely to be tried for murder, as well as conspiracy and possible international terrorist action. Legal experts have predicted that the trial, which is likely to be in February 2025, would drag on for years, given the case’s intricacy and its international aspects.

The Canadian government has promised to ensure the rule of law throughout the trial, affirming that its judiciary is apolitical in nature. The case will thus pass under intense scrutiny by both the public and international bodies.

Nijjar’s supporters, however, have continued to demand justice, organizing protests across major Canadian cities, including Vancouver, British Columbia and Toronto, Ontorio, calling for transparency in the investigation. Indian officials have also reiterated their stand that Canada must address the growing threat of Sikh extremism on Canadian soil.

The outcome of this case may have far-reaching implications for relations between Canada and India. Both parties appear to be finding a balancing act between maintaining diplomatic relations while keeping in view the strongly controversial nature of Nijjar’s activism and death.