Under mounting pressure for its botched-up and without "hard evidentiary proof" investigation on the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is now evading international media even as the government led by Justin Trudeau continues to work on its deliberate strategy of smearing India for domestic political gains.
The RCMP on Monday held a much-publicised media conference, stating that an "extraordinary situation" compelled it to speak about what its multiple ongoing investigations into the "involvement of agents of the Government of India in serious criminal activity in Canada" have discovered.
RCMP Commissioner Michael (Mike) Duheme alleged that investigations revealed that Indian diplomats and consular officials based in Canada leveraged their official positions to engage in clandestine activities and the information collected was then used to target members of the South Asian community.
It was widely expected that Duheme would provide substantial evidence to back the claims made by Canada's national police force. However, it never happened.
When approached by IANS to provide his insights into the complexities of the issue, Duheme responded through RCMP's Acting Media Relations Office with his colleague Camille Boily-Lavoie suggesting that RCMP spokesperson Brigitte Gauvi could be made available for the interview.
However, on Thursday, the RCMP backed out completely, insisting that they would not be able to accommodate the interview request and RCMP's statement on the issue remains sufficient.
The RCMP, which serves as the police of jurisdiction in Canada's eight provinces, three territories, and hundreds of municipalities, is already in an eye of storm over its failure to prevent growing violent extremism in the country.
On Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) took a dig at the RCMP and the Trudeau government for sitting on India's 26 extradition requests, including those of some hardcore Khalistani extremists and criminals who are also involved in creating ruckus in Canada.
"So far no action has been taken by the Canadian side on our requests. This is very serious. Also we find it very strange that the people we asked to be deported, on whom we asked action to be taken, we are being told - the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) is blaming the Indian side - that these people are committing crimes in Canada for which India is to be blamed. So, this is a contradiction which we don't understand," said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a weekly media briefing.
Mild intensity earthquake hits parts of NE states
Meanwhile, tremors were also felt in western and southern Tripura after another earthquake measuring 4.1 on the Richter scale struck neighbouring Bangladesh after Thursday midnight.
Israel confirms it has eliminated Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar
In yet another blow to Hamas, Israel on Thursday evening confirmed that it has eliminated Yahya Sinwar -- the chief planner of the horrific October 2023 attacks that killed 1200 people in Israel and resulted in over 250 being taken as hostages.
US Congressman seeks briefing on 'plight of Hindus' in Bangladesh
US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has requested a briefing from the State Department on reports of "the rise in harassment and violence against Hindus" and other minority communities in Bangladesh following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Govt working for development of NE India; Union Minister Pabitra Margherita reviews implementation of Central-sponsored schemes in Khowai district
During his visit to the Khowai district of Tripura on Thursday, the Union Minister formally inaugurated the newly constructed home of the West Champacherra Anganwadi Center in Tulasikhar Block.
NDA committed to furthering national progress of poor: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is committed to furthering national progress and empowering the poor and downtrodden.
BJP to hold crucial meeting on Oct 21 for organisational poll preparation
The purpose of the meeting is to take stock of the preparations for the upcoming organisational elections and expedite the remaining steps necessary for the exercise. The office-bearers will be giving instructions to other party leaders and workers on whatever has to be done for the preparations.
Tripura: 5 cops arrested as man dies due to 'torture in police custody'
A 34-year-old man, who was arrested on charges of theft at Sabroom in South Tripura district on October 13, died at his residence on Thursday, allegedly due to injuries sustained from the "torture in police custody", an official said.
BSF seizes Yaba, cannabis worth Rs 85 lakh, minor held
In a press statement BSF said that on 15th October, on specific intelligence input deployed BSF troops of BOP N C Nagar under Sepahijala District were alerted regarding a smuggling attempt.