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Hardeep Singh Nijjar Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated September 4, 2026 • 6 min read

Quick Info

Date of birth11 October 1977

Age45 Years

BirthplaceBharsinghpura village, Jalandhar, Punjab

ProfessionKhalistani Terrorist

NationalityCanadian

FamilyFather - Piara Singh

Hardeep Singh Nijjar Biography

Hardeep Singh Nijjar was a Canadian national from Surrey, British Columbia, who became a prominent and controversial figure linked to Khalistani separatist

Early life and background

Hardeep Singh Nijjar was born on 11 October 1977 in Bharsinghpura village near Jalandhar in Punjab. He later moved to Canada with his family and settled in Surrey, British Columbia. Known to follow Sikhism, Nijjar worked as a plumber after his relocation to Canada.

Career

Over time Nijjar emerged as an outspoken supporter of Khalistani separatism. He rose to leadership roles associated with groups advocating for an independent Sikh state, including reports that he led the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and was connected with Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). He also held positions within community institutions in Surrey, serving as president of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in that city.

His public activities included campaigning on issues tied to Sikh grievances in India. In 2012 he presented a petition with thousands of signatures in Geneva calling for an inquiry into the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. He was involved with organizations that promoted a referendum on Sikh self-determination and worked with the exile group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) in arranging the 2020 referendum-related events in Canada.

Legal actions and allegations

Indian authorities accused Nijjar of involvement in multiple violent incidents and placed several legal notices against him. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) issued a Red Corner Notice in March 2016 and later designated him as an individual terrorist in July 2020. Charges and accusations linked him to the murders of several individuals in Punjab and to other alleged violent plots; the NIA filed chargesheets naming him in connection with multiple killings and placed a monetary award on him.

Canadian police arrested Nijjar briefly in April 2018 but released him due to insufficient evidence. Indian agencies also reported concerns to Canadian counterparts about alleged training camps and other activities in British Columbia, allegations that Canadian authorities did not act on at the time, citing lack of evidence.

Public profile

Nijjar maintained a vocal public profile on issues related to Sikh rights and the alleged human rights abuses in India. He publicly described himself as a Sikh nationalist advocating for a future referendum on the independence of Indian Punjab and denied participating in or supporting violent activity. At the same time, numerous reports and legal filings from Indian authorities portrayed him as a central figure in organizing, financing, and training cells associated with violent actions.

His prominence in the Khalistani movement led to a polarizing reputation: supporters and campaigners credited him with raising awareness of Sikh concerns, while Indian law enforcement agencies linked him to militant activity and filed multiple cases and first information reports naming him.

Death and aftermath

On 18 June 2023 Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot and killed on the premises of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, Canada. He was 45 years old at the time of his death. His killing prompted international attention and diplomatic fallout. In September 2023, the Prime Minister of Canada publicly accused an Indian intelligence agency of involvement in the killing; this led to reciprocal expulsions of diplomats between Canada and India.

Subsequent legal and investigative developments included arrests in May 2024 by Canadian police of three individuals in connection with Nijjar’s murder. International law-enforcement agencies have also linked his name to plots discussed in other criminal investigations.

Latest updates

Following Nijjar’s death, political leaders in Canada and India made public statements and took actions that underscored the case’s diplomatic sensitivity. Canadian political figures pledged to pursue justice and called for thorough investigations. Arrests and legal filings connected to the murder and related allegations continued to unfold into 2024.

Physical description and personal details

At the time of records describing him, Nijjar’s height was listed at approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm). He was described as having dark brown eyes and salt-and-pepper hair. His father’s name is recorded as Piara Singh.
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Career Highlights

  1. Led or was associated with Khalistani organizations including the Khalistan Tiger Force and Babbar Khalsa International
  2. Presented a petition to the United Nations in 2012 regarding the 1984 anti-Sikh riots
  3. Served as president of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, Canada
  4. Designated as an individual terrorist by India’s National Investigation Agency in July 2020
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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Hardeep Singh Nijjar born?

11 October 1977

What is Hardeep Singh Nijjar known for?

Khalistani Terrorist