ISI Agent Set Ablaze in Canada Amidst Suspicion Over Khalistani Leader's Murder
The typically quiet suburb of Surrey, British Columbia, was rocked by a shocking act of violence when Rahat Rao, a Canadian-Pakistani man suspected of being an agent for Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), was set on fire in his office. The brutal attack occurred amidst ongoing investigations into Rao's alleged involvement in the murder of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, further straining the already tense relations between India and Canada.
Rao, who operated a forex business, was reportedly approached by an unidentified individual under the pretense of conducting a currency exchange. Without warning, the attacker doused Rao in a flammable liquid and set him ablaze before fleeing the scene. Rao sustained severe burns and was rushed to the hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
This violent incident adds another layer of complexity to the murder investigation of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was gunned down outside a Sikh temple in Surrey earlier this year. The murder has been a flashpoint in the diplomatic tug-of-war between India and Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggested possible involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar’s assassination, an accusation that India has strongly denied.
Canadian authorities, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), had previously searched Rao's office and questioned him extensively about his connections to Nijjar. Sources indicate that Rao, along with another individual named Tariq Kiyani, are suspected ISI operatives. They are alleged to have facilitated the activities of wanted terrorists from India and are believed to have played roles in Nijjar's death, possibly driven by the control over lucrative drug and immigration networks.
The attack on Rao is seen as a retaliatory act or a warning, highlighting the dangerous and clandestine nature of the ongoing geopolitical struggle. As law enforcement agencies delve deeper into the case, they are not only unraveling the web of suspected espionage but also confronting the broader implications for national security and international diplomacy.
The violent assault on Rao is a stark reminder of the perilous undercurrents in the India-Canada relationship, particularly surrounding issues of terrorism and espionage. The RCMP is actively pursuing leads in both the attack on Rao and the murder of Nijjar, aiming to bring the perpetrators to justice and mitigate further violence.
As investigations continue, the incident underscores the need for increased vigilance and cooperation among international law enforcement agencies to address the complex threats posed by state-sponsored espionage and terrorism. The diplomatic community watches closely, aware that the outcomes of these investigations could have far-reaching consequences for international relations and security.
