Expelled Indian diplomat denies involvement in Sikh leader's murder, claims 'no evidence presented'

India's High Commissioner to Canada denies any involvement in the murder of Canadian Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot and killed in B.C. last year.

India’s High Commissioner to Canada denies any involvement in the murder of Canadian Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot and killed in B.C. last year.

“Nothing at all,” Sanjay Kumar Verma answered, when asked directly about his alleged connection in the killing, in an exclusive interview on CTV’s Question Period, airing Sunday.

“No evidence presented. Politically motivated,” he also said.

And when asked by host Vassy Kapelos whether the Indian government has ever been involved in the targeting of certain individuals, with an end goal of their death, Verma said: “Never.”

Verma’s comments come just days after the RCMP and the federal government accused Indian diplomats and consular officials based in Canada of engaging in clandestine activities linked to serious criminal activity in this country, including homicides and extortions.

It’s also been little more than a year since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau rose in the House of Commons and said there were “credible allegations” that agents of the Indian government were involved in Nijjar’s murder. Relations between the two countries have been tense ever since.

In response to Monday’s allegations, Canada expelled six diplomats, including Verma. India kicked out six Canadian diplomats in retaliation.