World
Canada Arrests Nijjar's Successor Inderjit Singh Gosal, Leader of Khalistan Referendum Campaign, On Firearms Charges
Inderjit Singh Gosal (Image via X)
Inderjit Singh Gosal, who assumed leadership of Canada’s Khalistan referendum campaign after the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, has been arrested by Canadian police on multiple firearms charges, The Times of India reported.
Gosal, the Canada coordinator for Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), is also alleged to have links with Babbar Khalsa International, both designated as terror outfits.
The arrest marks a significant shift in Canada’s handling of pro-Khalistan activities. It comes shortly after India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met his Canadian counterpart Nathalie Drouin in Delhi last week.
Gosal had been accused in a case of violence at a Toronto-area temple last year but was released after brief detention. He also reportedly played a role in planning violence at Indian consulates in Canada and often acted as a personal security aide to SFJ chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannu during his visits.
Relations between India and Canada deteriorated sharply after Nijjar’s killing in June 2023. Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged Indian involvement, prompting India to withdraw its high commissioner and several diplomats, while Ottawa also pulled out many of its envoys.
Earlier this year, Gosal admitted to facing threats. “As a result of being the organiser of Khalistan referendum, I am facing an imminent threat to my life from the agents and proxies of the govt of India but I have to continue…” he told a Canadian news website.
Canadian police had also said Gosal was among 13 citizens identified as potential targets of violence linked to pro-Khalistan activities.
