Team Blitz India
NEW DELHI: Indian high commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Verma, has accused Canada of carrying out a “tainted” probe into the killing Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
In an interview to The Globe and Mail, Verma reiterated that Canada hasn’t shared anything. He said that Canadian PM Justin Trudeau’s public allegations about Indian involvement had compromised the investigations.
The diplomatic spat following Trudeau’s claims saw India expelling 41 Canadian diplomats, although the US and other Canadian partners in the Five Eyes alliance urged India to reconsider its decision and to cooperate with the Canadian probe.
No specific information
“There is no specific or relevant information provided in this case for us to assist them in the investigation.
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 said.
Conversation protected
“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 said, adding that India had made 26 extradition requests to Canada in the past 5-6 years but none had been acted upon.
Verma said any conversation between diplomats are protected and can’t be used as evidence in court or publicly released.
Hate speeches
Speaking about the hate speeches and targeting of Indian diplomats, Verma said he was concerned about his own and the safety of his consul generals. India recently resumed visa services for certain categories of Canadian nationals after Canada enhanced the security for Indian diplomats.
Verma urged Canada to rein in Canadian nationals who wanted to “dismember” India, saying this was the core issue. He, however, said despite the strained ties, India was ready to expand business ties and to resume talks for a trade deal.
