Archive · 9 Nov 2025
Documentary Claims UK Spies Aided Canada in Linking India to Nijjar Killing
A new documentary says that British spies might have helped Canada connect India to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a leader for Sikhs who wanted their own country, Khalistan.
The documentary claims that British intelligence listened to phone calls where people, thought to be working for the Indian government, talked about Nijjar and two other people.
They heard that Nijjar was successfully harmed.
This spying information was reportedly shared with Canada because they are part of a special spy club called Five Eyes.
India has previously said that these accusations are not true and are just for political reasons.
Another activist, Avtar Singh Khanda, also died around the same time, and his death is mentioned as well, though British officials said it wasn't suspicious.
The documentary comes out as Canada and India try to fix their relationship after a big argument about these allegations.
A new documentary claims British spy call intercepts aided Canadian authorities in linking India to the June 2023 killing of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
The intercepted calls reportedly discussed three targets: Nijjar, Avtar Singh Khanda, and Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, with discussions suggesting Nijjar had been 'successfully eliminated'.
This intelligence was allegedly shared with Canada under the Five Eyes agreement, with a 'breakthrough' reportedly occurring in late July 2023 after the UK obtained 'relevant information'.
India has consistently rejected allegations of its involvement in Nijjar's killing, labeling them 'absurd' and 'politically motivated'.
The documentary's claims emerge as India and Canada work to rebuild their relationship following a major diplomatic row sparked by Canadian allegations of Indian government involvement in the murder.
- Who
- Bloomberg Originals documentary, British intelligence (GCHQ), Canadian authorities, Indian government, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Avtar Singh Khanda, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, Sikh Federation UK.
- What
- A documentary claims British spy call intercepts helped Canadian authorities link India to the killing of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Intercepted calls allegedly discussed Nijjar, Avtar Singh Khanda, and Gurpatwant Singh Pannun as targets, with a later exchange indicating Nijjar's elimination. This intelligence was reportedly shared with Canada under the Five Eyes agreement.
- When
- Hardeep Singh Nijjar was killed in June 2023. Avtar Singh Khanda died in June 2023. British intelligence reportedly obtained "relevant information" in late July 2023. Canadian allegations were made in 2023. Mark Carney became leader in April 2024.
- Where
- Hardeep Singh Nijjar was killed in British Columbia, Canada. Avtar Singh Khanda died in Birmingham, UK. Intelligence was reportedly shared from the UK to Canada.
- Why
- The documentary alleges that intercepted calls provided evidence linking the Indian government to the killing of Nijjar, a designated terrorist by India. This is occurring amidst efforts to rebuild diplomatic relations between India and Canada after a significant diplomatic row triggered by Canada's earlier allegations.
Documentary's Allegations
India's Rejection and Diplomatic Context
Intelligence on Targets and Nijjar's Killing
Documentary's Allegations
A Bloomberg Originals documentary claims British intelligence intercepted calls discussing three targets: Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Avtar Singh Khanda, and Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Analysts believe the conversations involved individuals acting on behalf of the Indian government. The documentary alleges a subsequent exchange indicated Nijjar had been 'successfully eliminated'.
India's Rejection and Diplomatic Context
India has consistently dismissed allegations of its involvement in Nijjar's killing, characterizing them as 'absurd and motivated' and a 'deliberate strategy of smearing India for political gains'.
Intelligence Sharing and Avtar Singh Khanda's Death
Documentary's Allegations
The documentary reports a 'breakthrough' in the Nijjar investigation in late July 2023 after the UK obtained 'relevant information'. This intelligence was allegedly hand-delivered to Ottawa under strict conditions. Sikh Federation UK has questioned why the British government hasn't shared intelligence relevant to the 'mysterious death' of Avtar Singh Khanda, who also died in June 2023, despite parliamentary inquiries. British authorities ruled Khanda's death, due to blood cancer, had 'no suspicious circumstances'.
India's Rejection and Diplomatic Context
Avtar Singh Khanda, a pro-Khalistani activist, died of blood cancer in the UK. While some groups raised suspicions, British authorities found no suspicious circumstances. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, another alleged target, is interviewed in the documentary expressing fear for his life.
Diplomatic Relations and Ongoing Investigations
Documentary's Allegations
The documentary's claims emerge as Canada and India work to rebuild their relationship following a major diplomatic row sparked by Canadian allegations of Indian government involvement in Nijjar's murder. These allegations led to the recall of diplomats from both countries.
India's Rejection and Diplomatic Context
The diplomatic tensions, which saw India recall its high commissioner and five diplomats after Canada linked them to the Nijjar case, and India expelling an equal number of Canadian diplomats, have eased since Mark Carney's election victory. Discussions between the leaders of Canada and India have begun to reset relations.
- Documentary Title
- Inside the Deaths that Rocked India’s Relations with the West
- Documentary Source
- Bloomberg Originals
- Alleged Intelligence Provider
- British intelligence agency (believed to be GCHQ)
- Intelligence Sharing Agreement
- Five Eyes (UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand)
- Key Individuals Mentioned
- Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Avtar Singh Khanda, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun
- Nijjar's Status in India
- Designated a terrorist in 2020 for Khalistani extremism
- Timeline of Events
- Nijjar killed: June 2023; Khanda died: June 2023; UK obtained "relevant information": Late July 2023; Canadian allegations made: 2023
- India's Stance on Allegations
- 'Absurd and motivated,' a 'deliberate strategy of smearing India for political gains.'
Sources
UK spies handed over intel to Canada on Nijjar killing: report
British Spy Intercepts Linked India to Nijjar Killing, Claims Documentary
UK's Secret Hand in Sikh Separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's Probe? Explosive Documentary Claims So
UK spies gave intel on Nijjar killing to Canada: Report
British intelligence shared secret intel with Canada on Nijjar killing, claims new documentary
UK spies gave intel on Nijjar killing to Canada: Report
UK spy agency GCHQ tipped Canada about alleged 'India-link' in Hardeep Singh Nijjar murder case: Report
British Spy Agency Helped Canada Link India To Hardeep Singh Nijjar Killing: Report
Rana Ayyub alleges Khalistani threats to write glorifying killers of Indira Gandhi
Documentary claims British spy call intercepts behind Canada alleging links between India, Nijjar killing
