Canada arrests Khalistan referendum leader Inderjit Singh Gosal, key aide of Gurpatwant Pannun

Inderjit Singh Gosal, who assumed control of Canada’s Khalistan referendum campaign following Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing, has been arrested by Canadian police on multiple firearms charges.

Gosal serves as the Canada coordinator for the banned group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and is known to have links with Babbar Khalsa International, both designated terror outfits.

The arrest comes shortly after India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met his Canadian counterpart Nathalie Drouin in New Delhi last week, signaling a possible shift in Ottawa’s approach to pro-Khalistan activities.

Earlier, in a statement issued on Monday, the SFJ said that “the arrest of Inderjeet Singh Gosal on firearms charges is in fact a case about the Canadian Government’s duty to protect the life of a Canadian citizen who is facing imminent and grave threat to his life from the Indian government.”

Links to Violence, Threats Against Consulates

Gosal had allegedly plotted attacks on Indian consulates in Canada and played a role in last year’s violence at a temple in the Greater Toronto Area.

Though detained briefly at the time, he was released without major charges. He had also acted as a personal security officer for SFJ chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannu during his Canada visits.

Pro-Khalistan outfits recently threatened to “siege” the Indian consulate in Vancouver and targeted India’s new envoy. Gosal’s arrest is being viewed as a significant step given Ottawa’s earlier reluctance to act against separatist leaders.

Fallout From Nijjar Killing

Relations between India and Canada deteriorated sharply after Nijjar’s killing last year, with then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accusing Indian agencies of involvement.

India strongly denied the allegation, expelling Canadian diplomats and recalling its high commissioner.

Gosal’s Security Concerns

In past interviews, Gosal had claimed that Canadian police had warned him of being on a hit list and advised caution.

He was reportedly among 13 Canadian citizens identified as targets of criminal violence linked to pro-Khalistan elements.

“As a result of being the organiser of the Khalistan referendum, I am facing an imminent threat to my life from the agents and proxies of the Government of India, but I have to continue,” he had told a Canadian news outlet.