India has strongly rejected what it calls “preposterous imputations”, including those by Justin Trudeau accusing it of “supporting criminal activity against Canadians”
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police claimed Monday that “agents of the Government of India” use criminals – referring specifically to the Bishnoi gang – to “target (the) South Asian community… specifically pro-Khalistani elements” in that country.
The charge – by Commissioner Mike Duhene and his deputy, Brigitte Gauvin – adds to the row festering since Ottawa last year accused “agents” of Delhi of involvement in the killing of Canadian citizen and Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Nijjar.
“It (the Indian government) is targeting the South Asian community… but they are specifically targeting pro-Khalistani elements in Canada. What we have seen, from an RCMP perspective, is that they use organised crime elements,” Ms Gauvin told reporters.
“It has been publicly attributed and claimed by one crime group in particular – the Bishnoi gang. We believe the group is connected to agents of the Government of India.”
When asked specifically if “agents of Indian government” were being accused of “homicide, extortion, intimidation, and coercion”, Mr Duheme replied “yes”.
India has strongly rejected what it calls “preposterous imputations“, including those by Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accusing New Delhi of “supporting criminal activity against Canadians” and “coercive behaviour targeting South Asian Canadians”.
India also said that since the allegations were first made, the Trudeau administration “has not shared a shred of evidence with the Government of India, despite many requests…”
The External Affairs Ministry further rejected claims by Ottawa that Sanjay Kumar Verma, posted as the Indian High Commissioner, and five of his staff, are ‘persons of interest’. All six have been expelled by the Canadian side after it claimed Delhi’s continuing non-cooperation in its investigation.
Hours after the police officers’ press conference Mr Trudeau spoke to reporters and doubled down on charges against the Indian government.
