Indian-origin businessman allegedly played a dual role in Nijjar’s killing, escalating tensions between India and Canada.
New Delhi: A prominent Indian-origin businessman based in the United States likely played a dual role in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar and the attempted assassination of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, leader of the banned Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) which has created unprecedented frictions between Delhi and Ottawa.
Sources claim to The Sunday Guardian that the said businessman had been in touch with Indian entities for a long time, providing intelligence about anti-India groups operating in Canada and the U.S.
However, this appears to be the first time his actions have led to a situation of such diplomatic sensitivity, suggesting that the businessman misused the trust that he had built.
Initially, he reportedly shared details about the networks, funding, and activities of Khalistani sympathisers with Indian authorities. Subsequently, he allegedly passed on developments that took place on the basis of the intelligence he provided to Indian entities to the U.S. and Canadian officials, raising questions about his motives and whether he was playing both sides for personal or professional gain.
This dual role reportedly led to U.S agencies naming Indian nationals Nikhil Gupta and former intelligence official Vikash Yadav as suspects in the plot. While Gupta was arrested from Prague last year and extradited to U.S later, Yadav has been declared as wanted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, indicating how the businessman was able to easily influence the decision of U.S officials.
Insiders allege that it was the businessman’s unverified claims that led U.S. agencies to implicate the two individuals and then go on to name other individuals.
The credibility of the information he provided to U.S. and Canadian officials is likely to come under scrutiny, with some sources suggesting that he may have shaped it to serve his own interests or to align with a particular narrative targeting certain offices in India.
Observers note that the businessman, who once wielded significant influence in Delhi’s political and corporate circles during 2000-2015, may have exploited his connections to gain insider knowledge to portray himself as a critical player for both Indian and U.S officials.
The businessman and his family members are extremely close to the Clinton family, especially Hillary Clinton and have come under the radar of officials of multiple countries for their past involvement in drug-related crimes.
The killing of Nijjar in June 2023 outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, Canada, triggered a diplomatic row between India and Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of orchestrating the assassination, citing “credible allegations,” a claim that New Delhi has vehemently denied.