Canadian officials have informed the Indian government that conversations among Indian diplomats recently expelled from Canada reference Union Home Minister Amit Shah and a senior official from the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). These discussions allegedly pertain to authorizing intelligence-gathering missions and attacks on Sikh separatists within Canada, as reported by the Washington Post. This information emerged from a meeting between Canadian security and foreign ministry officials and Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval in Singapore on October 12.
The report, which initially did not name Shah, was updated to include his identification after further investigation. The exact nature and accuracy of these references remain unclear. Canadian investigators are reportedly interested in questioning the Indian diplomats to gather more information about the alleged involvement of these officials in the intercepted communications. India has rejected Canada’s request to lift diplomatic immunity for its officials, which led to the expulsion of six diplomats, including the Indian High Commissioner.
Retired Indian diplomats expressed skepticism about a cabinet minister’s involvement in operational matters abroad. A former intelligence chief emphasized that Shah’s official responsibilities do not encompass the actions suggested by the Canadians. This isn’t the first time Shah has faced accusations of involvement in extrajudicial violence; he was previously charged by the Central Bureau of Investigation in connection with the conspiracy to kill Sohrabuddin Sheikh and others during his tenure as Gujarat’s home minister, though he was discharged by the trial court after Narendra Modi became Prime Minister.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has stated that there is “clear and compelling evidence” suggesting that agents of the Indian government have engaged in activities posing significant threats to public safety, including violent acts and clandestine information gathering against South Asian Canadians. Trudeau first publicly alleged Indian involvement in the murder of Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in September 2023, citing credible intelligence.
Furthermore, a recent indictment in New York named Nikhil Gupta, accused of attempting to murder Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, with the indictment also mentioning an Indian government official identified only as ‘CC1’ but later named as Vikram Yadav. Reports indicate that Yadav has been dismissed from government service and is in custody.
Retired Indian intelligence officials have expressed doubts that Yadav or any other RAW personnel could have acted independently. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has accused the Indian government of outsourcing the targeting of Sikhs in Canada to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which operates from Gujarat, where Bishnoi is currently imprisoned. Despite facing multiple murder charges, the Indian government has reportedly taken measures to prevent his transfer to other states for questioning, raising further concerns about his operations and influence.
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