Canada-based journalist Ruchi Wali released an unverified audio recording on social media platform X where gangster Goldy Brar claims responsibility for Hardeep Singh Nijjar's assassination.
Goldy Brar, linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, justified the killing by accusing Nijjar of exploiting and blackmailing young people to sell drugs.
The unverified audio files reportedly emerged as part of an anti-gang initiative called Operation Hardball, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Gangster Satinderjeet Singh, alias Goldy Brar, has allegedly claimed responsibility for the killing of NIA-designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in a purported audio recording. Canada-based commentator and journalist Ruchi Wali released the unverified audio files on social media, ANI reported.
On Sunday, Wali said in a post on X that the audio contained "explosive evidence" and that Brar, who has links to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, admitted his gang ordered the assassination due to an inter-gang feud, ANI reported.
Independent sources have yet to verify the tape's legitimacy or its contents. The files reportedly formed part of an anti-gang initiative called Operation Hardball.
Details Of Purported Confession
The audio contains serious claims. In the purported tape, Brar takes direct responsibility for the assassination and criticises his associate.
"I am not a coward like Lawrence Bishnoi [Balkaran Brar]. I own up to my role [of getting Nijjar killed]. He [Bishnoi] did convince me to take this step [Killing of Nijjar]," Brar said in the tape, ANI reported.
The gangster justified the killing by accusing Nijjar of exploiting young people.
"People who engaged & encouraged youth (16-17 yrs old) to sell drugs. People who blackmailed youth to sell drugs & become a snitch. Nijjar supported & strengthened people who would use youth to sell drugs, so that he [Nijjar] could use such people as needed," Brar said, ANI reported.
Brar framed the assassination as retribution.
"So we [Goldy Brar & team] had to kill Nijjar [because they were using youth to sell drugs]. Everyone has to bear the consequences of their action. Everyone has to bear the consequences of their action," Brar said, ANI reported.
US Federal Arrest Warrant
The FBI is pursuing Brar. The Federal Bureau of Investigation previously launched an international law enforcement crackdown codenamed Operation Hard Ball. The operation targeted the Lawrence Bishnoi Organised Crime Group.
The FBI stated that Brar is the US-based leader of the group in North America.
On July 1, 2026, the US District Court, Central District of California, in Los Angeles, California, issued a federal arrest warrant for Brar.
He faces charges including Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Conspiracy, Conspiracy to Interfere and Attempted Interference with Commerce by Extortion and Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances. Authorities allege the crime group engages in assassinations of political and religious figures, shootings, murders, kidnappings, extortions, assaults and the trafficking of narcotics and weapons across North America.
India Canada Diplomatic Row
The killing sparked diplomatic tensions. Ex-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau linked the assassination to the Indian government. New Delhi vehemently denied the allegations.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police later blamed gang members linked to Lawrence Bishnoi for the killing. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal officially rejected the RCMP allegations as a "contradiction in terms" and "really strange" in October 2024.
India pointed out the inconsistency of Canada blaming New Delhi for violence committed by gang members that India had repeatedly asked Ottawa to deport. Jaiswal said that India had shared security information and submitted 26 pending extradition requests alongside multiple provisional arrest requests for Bishnoi gang members. Ottawa ignored these requests.
The MEA reiterated that Canada failed to present concrete evidence linking Indian agents or diplomats to the gang's activities.
