Diplomatic row hits NIA probe into High Commission attack

Amid rising tensions between India and Canada, the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) probe into the March 2023 attack on the Indian High Commission in Ottawa by pro-Khalistan supporters has hit a roadblock. Sources informed The Tribune that Canadian authorities have been uncooperative, making the investigation difficult.

Despite the NIA sharing information about one of the accused, Amarjot Singh, with Canadian authorities, no feedback or assistance has been forthcoming. “Even before the diplomatic tensions, the Canadian authorities were reluctant to cooperate, but now the situation has worsened,” an official stated on condition of anonymity.

In September, the NIA conducted raids across Punjab, targeting multiple locations in Moga, Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Jalandhar districts, as part of the investigation into the attack. During the March 2023 protest, pro-Khalistan demonstrators had raised anti-India slogans, tied Khalistani flags to the High Commission’s boundary wall, and hurled grenades into the building’s premises.

The NIA registered a First Information Report (FIR) in June 2023, naming Amarjot Singh, the brother-in-law of jailed Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh, as the leader of the protest. Amarjot, along with unidentified individuals, was accused of staging the protest and carrying out the attack.

Reluctant to cooperate

Despite the NIA sharing information about one of the accused, Amarjot Singh, with Canadian authorities, no feedback or assistance has been forthcoming. “Even before the diplomatic tensions, the Canadian authorities were reluctant to cooperate, but now the situation has worsened,” an official said.