Gangster Goldy Brar claims killing Hardeep Nijjar in leaked audio
What's the story
Gangster Goldy Brar has claimed responsibility for the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani terrorist, India Today reported. The incident took place outside a gurdwara in Canada on June 19, 2023. In a leaked audio conversation with UK-based Khalistani terrorist Paramjit Singh "Pamma," Brar explained why he and his gang were behind the killing. He alleged that Nijjar supported and empowered a drug network for his own purposes.
Allegations detailed
Brar's claims about drug network
Brar alleged that people associated with the drug network recruited 16-17-year-old youngsters and blackmailed them into selling drugs.
He claimed these youngsters were also coerced into acting as informers.
"Those who would prepare 16-17-year-old children to sell drugs and encourage them to do so... those who would blackmail children into selling drugs and acting as informers... Nijjar supported such people," Brar is heard saying in the audio.
Additional claims
Allegations of illegal weapons trade against Nijjar
Brar also alleged that Nijjar was involved in the illegal trade of weapons, which he cited as another reason behind his killing.
"Because of this, we had to kill him. Everyone has to bear the consequences of what they have done," Brar is heard saying in the leaked audio.
However, he dismissed allegations that he had been involved in drug-related activities himself.
Diplomatic fallout
Diplomatic row over Nijjar's killing
Nijjar's killing led to a major diplomatic row between India and Canada. Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused "Indian agents" of involvement in the murder.
India rejected Trudeau's statement as "absurd" and "motivated," leading to the expulsion of diplomats and suspension of bilateral engagements.
Relations started improving after Trudeau left office and Mark Carney became Canada's Prime Minister, resuming diplomatic engagement after years of strained ties.
Ongoing investigation
Canadian police find no evidence against Indian officials
The leaked audio brings the gang rivalry and organized crime angle back into focus, with Brar presenting Nijjar's alleged links with a drug network and illegal weapons trade as reasons behind the killing.
However, these claims are Brar's account of events and do not establish circumstances or motive behind Nijjar's killing.
In an update on the case, Canadian police have found "no evidence" implicating Indian government officials in the murder.