New Delhi, Ottawa

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday (Oct 14) that the Indian government was “attacking me” personally and the integrity of the government of Canada over Ottawa’s move to link the death of a Sikh separatist leader last year to New Delhi. He voiced strong concerns over "clear and compelling evidence" of the involvement of the agents of India in activities threatening public safety. However, the Indian foreign ministry said earlier on Monday that Ottawa had not shared "a shred of evidence" with the Indian government despite several requests.

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In a major downturn for already tensed India-Canada ties, New Delhi expelled six Canadian diplomats on Monday and withdrew its diplomats from Ottawa.

"India was possibly, if not probably, behind Nijjar's killing," Trudeau remarked.

Allegations by Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) 

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The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) alleged that the Indian government was collaborating with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang to harm public safety on Canadian soil.

The allegations come at a time when the gang is already making headlines in India over the death of don-turned-politician Baba Siddique in Mumbai.

“What we have seen is the use of organised crime elements, and it’s been publicly attributed to one organised crime gang in particular the Bishnoi group is connected to the agents of India,” RCMP Assistant Commissioner Brigitte Gaubin said in a press conference in Ottawa on Monday.

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Canada shared info with Five Eyes partners

According to media reports, Canada has shared relevant info regarding the allegations against India with its Five Eyes partners.

“From the beginning, as of last summer, we've worked closely with our Five Eyes partners, particularly with the United States, where they have gone through a similar pattern of behaviour from India in regards to an attempted extrajudicial killing,” Trudeau said in a press conference.

Also read: ‘We have no faith...’: India recalls high commissioner, top diplomats to Canada as ties hit rock-bottom

The Five Eyes, often referred to as FVEY, constitutes a coalition consisting of five intelligence agencies: United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

Earlier, Indian foreign ministry had accused Trudeau of targeting India to currying favour “with a vote bank”.

Also read: India expels 6 Canadian diplomats, hours after recalling its high commissioner to Ottawa

“In 2018, his visit to India, which was aimed at currying favour with a vote bank, rebounded to his discomfort. His cabinet has included individuals who have openly associated with an extremist and separatist agenda regarding India. His interference in Indian internal politics in December 2020 showed how far he was willing to go in this regard,” read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.

(With inputs from agencies)