Police say organised crime investigation uncovered no connection between Indian officials and murder-related charges
Canadian authorities have said they have found no evidence linking the Government of India to the criminal charges announced under the multinational law enforcement initiative known as Operation Hard Ball, marking a significant development in the investigation into the 2023 killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Speaking after the announcement of charges, Canadian police clarified that while the investigation had identified alleged members of transnational organised crime networks, no evidence had emerged connecting Indian government officials to the offences. The statement follows coordinated enforcement action involving agencies in Canada, the United States and Europe targeting criminal groups linked to India.
Operation Hard Ball led to charges against several individuals accused of involvement in organised crime, including murder, extortion, drug trafficking and firearms offences. Among those named was jailed Indian gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who US prosecutors allege directed Nijjar’s killing through his criminal network. The US indictment, however, does not accuse the Indian government of any involvement.
The clarification from Canadian investigators represents a notable shift from the diplomatic tensions that followed former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s 2023 allegation that there were credible claims linking Indian agents to Nijjar’s killing. India strongly rejected those accusations, calling them baseless and politically motivated.
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Officials stressed that investigations into organised crime networks remain active and that authorities will continue pursuing those responsible for violent cross-border criminal activity
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They emphasised that the current charges are based on evidence gathered during the criminal investigation and should not be interpreted as implicating any state actor
The development comes as India and Canada have begun taking steps to improve bilateral relations after a prolonged diplomatic dispute. While investigations into Nijjar’s murder continue, the latest police statement is expected to influence the wider debate surrounding one of the most sensitive issues in recent India-Canada relations.
