Inderjit Singh Gosal, a key Canadian figure for US-based Khalistani outfit, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), was arrested in Ottawa on multiple charges related to the possession of unlicensed firearms.
A close aide of designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, reports indicate that the Peel Regional Police (PRP) apprehended Gosal, along with two associates, while travelling from Brampton to Ottawa. All three individuals remain in custody and are expected to face formal charges and possible jail time.
Who is Inderjit Gosal?
Gosal rose to prominence within the Khalistani movement following the June 2023 slaying of Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Gurudwara in Canada.
For context - Nijjar, an Indian born-Canadian citizen, was the face of the Khalistan movement in British Columbia. India had designated him a terrorist and accused him of being the “mastermind” behind the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), a banned militant group.
Following Nijjar’s death, Gosal became a key Canadian coordinator for SFJ’s referendum campaign. Beyond organising rallies, he also served as Pannun”s personal security officer.
Moreover, this isn’t his first brush with the law.
The 36-year old was arrested by the PRP less than a year ago in November. Gosal was arrested on charges of assault with a weapon following a violent clash between protesters carrying Khalistani flags and people present at a consular camp in Brampton.
The Indian High Commission, who co-organised the camp with the Hindu Sabha Mandir, had condemned the “violent disruption orchestrated by anti-India elements”. Despite this, Gosal was let off after a brief detention.
Gosal’s arrest comes amidst the diplomatic thawing of icy Indo-Canadian relations. Just days earlier, India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, held a high-level meeting on September 19 with his Canadian counterpart, Nathalie G. Drouin. The meeting concluded with both nations committing to enhanced cooperation on counter-terrorism, combating transnational organised crime and intelligence exchanges.
