The Indian High Commissioner to Canada Sanjay Kumar Verma told Canadian broadcaster CTV that India was “convicted” even before the investigation into the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the Khalistani separatist-terrorist who was murdered by unknown miscreants in Canada’s Surrey. Canada has accused India of playing a role in the death of Nijjar, an allegation India has denied.
During his conversation with journalist Vassy Kapelos during the TV show CTV Question Period, Verma said India was “already convicted” when it was asked to “cooperate” even before the investigation was “concluded”.
“Even without an investigation being concluded India was convicted. Is that rule of law?” Verma said. Kapelos asked how India was convicted and said an allegation was raised.
“India was asked to cooperate and if you look at the typical criminal terminology, when someone is asked to cooperate this means you have been convicted and you better cooperate,” Verma responded.
“But we always said, if there is something specific and relevant and is communicated to us, we will look into it,” Verma further added.
The ruckus over Nijjar’s death has hurt New Delhi-Ottawa ties with both nations, reducing diplomatic presence in their respective countries.
Verma earlier this month, in an interview with Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail said no relevant information has been provided to Indian authorities. “There is no specific or relevant information provided in this case for us to assist them in the investigation,” Verma said.
He said directions were given to taint India. “Where is the evidence? Where is the conclusion of the investigation? I would go a step further and say now the investigation has already been tainted. A direction has come from someone at a high level to say India or Indian agents are behind it,” Verma was quoted as saying by The Globe and Mail.
“You are talking about illegal wiretaps and talking about evidence. Conversations between two diplomats are secure by all international law. Show me how you captured these conversations. Show me that someone did not mimic the voice,” he further added.
(with inputs from Shalinder Wangu)