A leaked audio recording, purportedly featuring gangster Goldy Brar, has surfaced, in which the individual claims responsibility for the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The voice in the audio attributed Nijjar's assassination, which occurred on June 18, 2023, in Surrey, British Columbia, to his alleged involvement in drug trafficking and extortion. This development introduces a new dimension to the ongoing investigation into Nijjar's death and the diplomatic tensions between India and Canada.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent leader within the Sikh community in Canada, served as the president of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey. He had been designated a terrorist by the Indian government under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in 2020. His killing sparked a significant diplomatic rift between India and Canada after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly stated in September 2023 that there were credible allegations of the Indian government's potential involvement in the assassination. India has consistently rejected these allegations as baseless.

In the alleged leaked audio, the individual identified as Goldy Brar states that Nijjar was killed due to his purported involvement in illicit activities, specifically mentioning drug trafficking and extortion. The voice in the recording claims that these activities were conducted under the guise of religious work, which the speaker deemed a defilement of the Sikh faith. The recording suggests that Nijjar had been warned multiple times to cease these alleged activities. The authenticity of the audio recording and the veracity of the claims made within it have not been independently verified by authorities.

Goldy Brar is a high-profile figure associated with organized crime. He is currently the subject of an Interpol Red Notice and is wanted in India for multiple criminal charges, including murder, conspiracy, and illegal arms trafficking. Brar is believed to be operating from either Canada or the United States and has been linked to several other significant criminal cases, notably the 2022 murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala. Indian intelligence agencies have been actively tracking his movements.

Key details surrounding the event and individuals involved include:

  • Victim: Hardeep Singh Nijjar, 45, president of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara, Surrey, British Columbia.
  • Date of Killing: June 18, 2023.
  • Location of Killing: Surrey, British Columbia, Canada.
  • Claimed Perpetrator (in leaked audio): Goldy Brar, a prominent gangster with an Interpol Red Notice against him.
  • Alleged Motive (in leaked audio): Drug trafficking and extortion activities attributed to Nijjar.
  • Nijjar's Status: Designated a terrorist by India under the UAPA in 2020.
  • Goldy Brar's Status: Wanted by Indian authorities for multiple serious crimes, believed to be in North America.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) homicide investigation into Hardeep Singh Nijjar's murder remains active and ongoing. Canadian authorities have not issued a public statement regarding the authenticity of the purported Goldy Brar audio or the claims made within it as of the latest reports. The emergence of this recording introduces an additional element for investigators to consider as they continue to work towards identifying and apprehending those responsible for Nijjar's death. Both Indian and Canadian governments continue to engage on matters related to organized crime and security.