The trial against four Indian nationals accused of killing Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada has been postponed for the fourth time. The case, which has strained Canada-India relations, has been postponed till October 1.
The hearing was adjourned after the Crown prosecutor told Surrey Court that the defence had received about 10,000 pages of disclosure and would receive a similar amount in a week. The prosecutor said the whole process could take “a few more months”.
All four accused – Amandeep Singh, Karan Brar, Kamalpreet Singh and Karanpreet Singh – appeared before the court virtually.
Four defence lawyers appeared virtually on behalf of their clients, with Crown prosecutor Lewis Kenworthy also requesting an adjournment.
“The Crown is working diligently to provide information to the defendants in this case, but I have advised my friends it will likely be a few more months before we have any real information on this case,” Kenworthy said, the Surrey Now-Leader reports.
Nijjar was shot dead Outside Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara on June 18, 2023The four accused face charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Relations between India and Canada soured after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged “possible” involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar’s killing.
Khalistani flags were waved outside the court
Nijjar’s supporters waved Khalistan flags outside the Surrey provincial court. Speaking on the delay in the trial, British Columbia (BC) Gurdwara Council spokesperson Moninder Singh said it was disappointing for Nijjar’s family members.
“The length of time it takes for a trial to begin can be frustrating for the family and others in the community, but we understand that this is part of the process of the Canadian judicial system,” Moninder Singh was quoted as saying by the Surrey Now-Leader.