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IHIT Release Identity Of Suspect Vehicle Involved In The Political Murer Of Surrey Gurdwara President Hardeep Singh Nijjar
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) released photo of suspect vehicle involved in the shooting of Surrey Gurdwara leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s murder, which many Sikhs believe was orchestrated by Indian government agencies in an effort to silence Sikhs abroad who seek an independent Sikh homeland called Khalistan. “Sadly, Mr. Nijjar succumbed to his injuries on scene. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) took conduct of the investigation and continues to work closely in partnership with the Surrey RCMP, the RCMP Forensic Identification Service and the BC Coroners Service,” IHIT said.
By PD Raj – Senior Writer DESIBUZZCanada
With News Files
SURREY – The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) released photo of suspect vehicle involved in the shooting of Surrey Gurdwara leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s murder, which many Sikhs believe was orchestrated by Indian government agencies in an effort to silence Sikhs abroad who seek an independent Sikh homeland called Khalistan.
On June 18, at 8:27 p.m. the Surrey RCMP received a report of a shooting at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara at 7050 120 Street, Surrey. First responding members located a man, later identified as 45-year old Hardeep Singh Nijjar, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds inside a vehicle.
“Sadly, Mr. Nijjar succumbed to his injuries on scene. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) took conduct of the investigation and continues to work closely in partnership with the Surrey RCMP, the RCMP Forensic Identification Service and the BC Coroners Service,” IHIT said.
On July 21, 2023, IHIT investigators released information to the public advising of the believed route taken by the two suspects following the murder.
Investigators now believe they have identified the vehicle which was waiting for the suspects in the area of 121 Street and 68 Avenue. The vehicle is described as a Silver 2008 Toyota Camry.
“We believe the driver of this vehicle was waiting on 121 Street and near 68th in the Camry for the two initial suspects prior to and while the murder took place,” says Sgt. Timothy Pierotti of IHIT. “Investigators have now confirmed there was a third suspect involved in the murder. If you recognize this vehicle or the driver, please contact IHIT immediately.”
IHIT is asking anyone with information regarding the investigation to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
The RCMP’s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) initially sought two suspects described as “heavier-set males wearing face coverings,” but on Wednesday, confirmed those men did not act alone.
Investigators believe the first two suspects fled the scene on foot southbound on 122nd Street through Cougar Creek Park to the getaway vehicle.
There is no new evidence about those suspects that can be released, Pierotti added.
No arrests have been made to date and Pierotti has previously attempted to soothe public safety concerns since the killing, particularly among the Sikh community in Surrey.
“We have no reason to believe that the Sikh community is at risk,” the sergeant said in June. “This was a targeted incident where one person was the target.”
Nijjar’s loss, meanwhile, has been deeply felt.
Prabjot Singh, a representative Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara, said emotions were “raw” after the killing and described the president’s death as a “massive loss.”
“I think first and foremost, the most prominent feeling is a marked commitment and determination to continue by Hardeep Singh’s work,” he told Global News in June.
“Where there’s that kind of grit and resilience to continue that work and advocacy, there is also a strong emotional connection just considering how strong and how important of a figure he was in the community, as a major community leader, as an elder brother.”
In addition to a well-known community leader, elder and advocate, Nijjar was a Khalistani, supporting the creation of a separate state for Sikhs. The Khalistan movements rose to prominence in the 1980s, however discussion around sovereignty for Sikhs and Punjab can be traced back to the 1947 partition of India, reported Global News.
Multiple sources have told Global News Nijjar was threatened repeatedly before he was killed, reportedly in relation to his political activism. In a May 18 interview with Burnaby’s Spice Radio 1200 AM, Nijjar had voiced concerns about being on a hit list.
The World Sikh Organization of Canada has accused Canadian police and intelligence agencies of failing to protect Nijjar, given the “known” threats to his life.
In 2018, India filed a First Information Report against Nijjar, whom it accuses of plotting to carry out a major terrorist attack in Punjab.
Nijjar has repeatedly claimed his innocence and penned a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau calling allegations “factually baseless and fabricated.”
IHIT has declined to confirm or deny that Nijjar had been threatened prior to his death, acknowledging the speculation but stating that evidence — not rumours — will guide the investigation.
