Recent revelations have shed light on the entry of one of the suspects implicated in the murder of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar into Canada. According to a report by Canada-based Global News, Karan Brar, one of the individuals arrested in connection with the case, entered Canada using a study permit, obtained through an immigration consultancy firm in Punjab’s Bathinda.
Karan Brar reportedly disclosed in a video posted in 2019 that he applied for a student visa through EthicWorks Immigration Services and received it within a remarkably short period, contrary to the standard processing time of 7–9 weeks for Canada student visas. The promotional video, featuring Karan Brar holding a passport with a Canadian study permit, was initially shared on EthicWorks Immigration Services’ Facebook page but has since been deleted.
Karan Brar commenced his studies at Calgary’s Bow Valley College on April 30, 2020, before relocating to Edmonton on May 4, 2020. Although a spokesperson for the college confirmed Karan Brar’s enrollment in the hospital unit clerk program, they could not verify whether he is the same individual arrested for Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s murder. Additionally, the college asserted no affiliation with EthicWorks Immigration Services.
Karan Brar, along with two other Indian nationals identified as Karanpreet Singh, 28, and Kamalpreet Singh, 22, was apprehended in Edmonton, Alberta, on May 3, and charged with first-degree murder. However, Canadian authorities have not provided evidence linking the suspects to the Indian government.
The trio allegedly played various roles, including shooters, drivers, and spotters, in Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s fatal shooting outside a gurdwara in Surrey on June 18, 2023. Investigation into their possible ties with the Indian government is ongoing.
The incident has sparked diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau previously attributing the murder to “agents of the government of India.” In response, the Indian government denounced the accusation as “absurd” and implemented retaliatory measures, including the withdrawal of diplomats and the suspension of visa issuance to Canadian nationals. However, visa issuance has since resumed in a phased manner.
