‘Trudeau ensured it’: Indian envoy named ‘person of interest’ in Nijjar case
India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Verma, denied any involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. He accused Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of damaging political ties. India recalled Verma and other diplomats after Canada named them as “persons of interest” in Nijjar’s murder investigation.
In an interview with CTV’s Question Period, Verma claimed Trudeau’s accusations, along with those from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), were politically motivated. When asked about his role in Nijjar’s death, he firmly responded, “Nothing at all.” He emphasized that no evidence had been presented, calling the allegations baseless and politically driven.
Verma criticized Trudeau for relying on intelligence rather than solid proof. He argued that making such claims without presenting evidence has caused significant harm to India-Canada relations. “On the basis of intelligence, if you want to destroy a relationship, be my guest. That’s what he did,” Verma remarked during the interview.
He further stated that evidence should have been shared before making public allegations. Instead, Trudeau chose to address the matter in Parliament, even acknowledging the lack of concrete evidence. Verma believes this move sent bilateral ties into a downward spiral. “Since that day, he has ensured that the relationship between India and Canada only deteriorates,” he added.
The ongoing diplomatic row continues to strain relations, with no resolution in sight. Both nations are locked in a tense standoff as Verma and his fellow diplomats remain central figures in the probe.
