Goldy Brar claims responsibility for Nijjar killing in latest unverified audio clip

An audio recording has surfaced on social media in which fugitive gangster Goldy Brar purportedly claims responsibility for the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada in 2023. The authenticity of the clip could not be independently verified.

In the clip reported by the Indian Express, Brar, whose real name is Satinderjeet Singh, is purportedly heard speaking to Khalistan separatist Paramjit Singh Pamma in the recording. He claims that he and his associates killed Nijjar over allegations that the separatist leader had encouraged and coerced young people into selling drugs and working as informants.

Brar alleges in the clip that Nijjar supported individuals who exploited teenagers and used them when required. He is also heard saying that everyone must eventually face the consequences of their actions.

Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023. His killing precipitated a prolonged diplomatic dispute after then Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau alleged that Canadian authorities had credible information suggesting the involvement of Indian government officials.

New Delhi strongly denied the accusation, describing it as “absurd” and “motivated”. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said last month that investigators had found no evidence connecting Indian government officials to the killing. India and Canada have since been seeking to rebuild bilateral relations.

The purported audio emerged about a month after the US Federal Bureau of Investigation offered a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to Brar’s arrest. US authorities have alleged that he is associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi organised crime network.

A US federal indictment unsealed in Los Angeles last month alleged that Bishnoi ordered Nijjar’s killing, with the victim identified by the initials “HSN” in court documents. US prosecutors have also charged Bishnoi and Brar in connection with the case.

The US Justice Department had previously linked Nijjar’s killing to an alleged conspiracy to assassinate Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, citing intercepted communications and overlapping targets. Indian national Nikhil Gupta pleaded guilty in February to murder-for-hire and conspiracy charges arising from the alleged Pannun plot.

Brar, originally from Punjab’s Faridkot district, moved to Canada on a student visa in 2017. He is wanted in India in several criminal cases, including the May 2022 murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, for which he had claimed responsibility.

Indian security agencies have linked Brar to Babbar Khalsa International, an organisation proscribed under Indian law. Authorities accuse him of involvement in targeted killings, extortion, threatening calls and the use of social media to claim responsibility for violent crimes.

Interpol has issued a Red Corner Notice against Brar. Indian authorities have also issued a non-bailable warrant and a Look Out Circular against him. The Centre subsequently designated him a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.