The prosecution has dismissed charges against two of the three Sikh activists arrested in September on suspicion of possessing a loaded firearm in a vehicle. Inderjit Singh Gosal from Brampton, Ontario, and Jagdeep Singh from New York, along with Arman Singh, were apprehended in Whitby and accused of multiple firearms violations, including reckless use and unlawful possession of a banned handgun.
Gosal, a key figure in the Sikh nationalist Khalistani movement in Canada, assumed leadership of Sikhs for Justice in the country after the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, B.C., in June 2023. Jagdeep Singh confirmed that his charges were dropped as conveyed by his legal counsel on Thursday, while charges against Arman Singh were withdrawn on Friday.
Following recent threats to his life, Gosal refrained from elaborating on the ongoing case but emphasized the background leading to the charges against him and his associates. Gosal highlighted a prior incident where shots were fired at a construction site in Brampton, underscoring the persistent danger he faces. He also mentioned receiving repeated warnings from law enforcement about potential risks to his safety, which escalated significantly in early September.
Despite being offered entry into a witness protection program, Gosal opted not to participate, expressing a strong commitment to advocating for the Khalistan referendum, even if it meant facing threats. Sikhs for Justice have orchestrated a series of referendums worldwide in support of an autonomous Sikh homeland in Punjab, a move vehemently opposed by the Indian government, which has labeled the organization’s leadership as terrorists.
Jagdeep Singh intends to stay in Canada and engage in the upcoming phase of the Khalistani referendum campaign scheduled in Ottawa. Meanwhile, Gosal, currently on bail for the firearms charges, plans to attend the referendum event in Ottawa alongside Jagdeep Singh, with his own legal case still pending.
