Image Source hindustantimes
What Happened
Canadian authorities have arrested Inderjit Singh Gosal, a prominent Sikh activist, on multiple firearms-related charges. The arrest took place in Ontario, with local police confirming the seizure of unlicensed weapons.
Gosal, 36, is accused of offences including the careless use of a handgun, among others.
He appeared in court in Oshawa, Ontario.
Who Is Inderjit Singh Gosal?
SFJ and Khalistan Referendum Role: Gosal is a senior coordinator in Canada for Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), the organisation that pushes for a “Khalistan referendum” seeking an independent Sikh state in Punjab.
Successor to Hardeep Singh Nijjar: After the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023, Gosal is said to have stepped into a more central leadership role in the SFJ’s Canadian operations. Nijjar’s death had already triggered diplomatic tensions between Canada and India.
Associations: He is close to Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who leads SFJ and is central to organising the referendum campaign. Reports also link Gosal with Babbar Khalsa International, a group designated as a terrorist organisation by India.
Threats and Previous Incidents: Gosal has reportedly been the subject of police “warning of threats” in Canada, including notices that his life is at risk.
He was earlier arrested in November 2024 for a violent protest at a temple in Brampton.
Broader Context
Diplomatic Strain: The arrest comes amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between Canada and India, largely stemming from Canada’s claims of Indian involvement in the killing of Nijjar. India denies those allegations.
Security Cooperation: It also follows recent meetings between top security officials of both countries, in which counter-terrorism cooperation and intelligence sharing have been discussed.
Free Speech / Political Activism Debate: Some Sikh groups and SFJ suggest the arrest might be politically motivated, warning that activism and expressions for a Khalistan referendum are being treated as potentially criminal. However, police maintain the charges are related specifically to firearms offences.
Implications
Legal: Gosal faces serious legal consequences if convicted, given the multiple charges tied to firearms.
Diplomatic: The arrest could be seen both as Canada responding to external pressure and as an assertion of its law enforcement’s autonomy. How India reacts will be carefully watched.
Khalistan Movement in Canada: Gosal’s arrest may affect the momentum of SFJ and referendum-related campaigns in Canada. It could also shift internal dynamics among separatist groups.
Security / Safety Concerns: Given the previous threats against him and warnings by police, concerns about his safety remain relevant.
What Is Still Unclear
Exact details of the firearms charges (how many, what type, where found) beyond general reporting.
Whether other charges (besides firearm ones) might follow.
What evidence the police have linking Gosal to specific violent acts or conspiracies, if any.
Whether the arrest reflects a broader crackdown on pro-Khalistan activism, or is limited to individual legal violations.
The arrest of Inderjit Singh Gosal marks a significant moment in the tense interplay of activism, law enforcement, and diplomacy between Canada and India. As Nijjar’s alleged successor in leading SFJ’s referendum campaign, Gosal occupied a sensitive position. His detention on firearms charges underlines both the legal risks for activists operating in legally gray zones, and the broader international implications of the Khalistan movement’s activism in North America.
[Newsroom staff written original, where key claims or facts are used, I’ve referenced the original sources (like Times of India, Reuters, AP, Global News, Hindustan Times, Business Standard,
etc.) transparently.]
