World

Canada Clears Officer Accused Of Terrorism, Links To Khalistani Networks By India

A Canadian border agency officer, Sandeep Singh Sidhu, who had been wanted by India on charges of terrorism, has been officially cleared by his employer, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Sidhu, also known as Sunny Toronto, was reinstated in his position with the agency after an internal review.

The Indian government accused Canadian border police officer, Sandeep Sidhu for allegedly abetting terrorist activities and murder of a Shaurya Chakra awardee in Punjab. India had even included Sidhu in its list of fugitives seeking his deportation. He was charged for alleged associations with the banned International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), Khalistani terror groups, and Pakistan’s intelligence agency, ISI.

According to the Indian authorities, Sidhu was further connected to the 2020 assassination of Balwinder Singh Sandhu, who was awarded the Shaurya Chakra, in Punjab’s Tarn Taran district. The allegations depict Sidhu as a key player in the assassination plan and justified an international manhunt.

Canadian Response

Even though the allegations presented were serious, the lawyers for Sidhu stated that the Canadian government should have made better representation in light of the claims presented by the foreign government. They argue that India launched a hostile disinformation campaign against Sidhu and the Canadian authorities failed to respond better to it.

As a response, the CBSA initiated an internal investigation and eventually cleared his slate. Allegations framed against him by India notwithstanding, Sidhu has been reinstated to his position in the CBSA, where he continues to serve to this day.

Diplomatic Row Between Canada And India

Relations between the two countries have worsened after the murder of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada publicly accused Indian agents of involvement in Nijjar’s killing but has failed to provide concrete evidence in proof of these claims. This decision has come at a time when diplomatic tensions between Canada and India have increased.

The tension between both nations spilled over into the Sidhu case, where both nations were accusing the other of complicating the probe by such politically motivated actions. However, while there is controversy about Canada’s position regarding Sidhu, the continuing diplomatic row between the two nations brings a whole new dimension to the issue.

MUST READ | Canada: Third Hindu Temple Threat This Month Sparks ‘High Alert’ Concerns

Satyam Singh

Recent Posts

Jaishankar To Visit US From December 24-29, First Since Trump’s Election

External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar will embark on a six-day visit to the United States…

9 mins ago

Replay 2024 : Cricket’s 5 Defining Moments In 2024

2024 was a year packed with thrilling cricket action, but it also featured its fair…

19 mins ago

2024 Year-Ender: Six Major Global Conflicts Of 2024

2024 has seen significant global conflicts, including the Israel-Hamas war, instability in the Sahel, and…

24 mins ago

₹20 Crore For Justice: Is It Fair? Komatireddy Demands Compensation From Allu Arjun After Pushpa 2 Stampede

Komatireddy Venkat Reddy has demanded ₹20 crore from Allu Arjun for the family of the…

27 mins ago

UK Backs Khalistani Groups, Assures Protection Against Alleged Harassment By India: REPORT

UK Minister Dan Jarvis responds to allegations that Sikhs in the UK are being targeted…

42 mins ago

Maha Kumbh 2025: CM Yogi Reviews Preparations In Prayagraj, 50,000 Security Personnels Deployed

More than 50,000 security personnel, as well as drones and advanced surveillance systems, will be…

43 mins ago