Fact Check: Former NDP leader Jagmeet Singh was targeted by a suspected Indian government agent in 2023, resulting in him receiving police protection, according to Global News.

Fact Check: "Former NDP leader Jagmeet Singh was targeted by a suspected Indian government agent in 2023, resulting in him receiving police protection, according to Global News."

What We Know

In late 2023, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) placed Jagmeet Singh, the former leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP), under police protection due to credible threats against his life. This decision was prompted by information that Singh was being surveilled by a suspected agent of the Indian government, who had detailed knowledge of his daily activities, travel patterns, and family (Global News). The agent is reportedly linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which has been associated with violent crimes in Canada (Global News). Singh himself confirmed that he was warned by police about the threat and that he had considered stepping down from his leadership role due to safety concerns (Global News).

Analysis

The claim that Jagmeet Singh was targeted by a suspected Indian government agent is substantiated by multiple credible sources, primarily from Global News, which has reported extensively on the matter. The information comes from unnamed sources familiar with the investigation, which raises some questions about the reliability of the claims. However, the nature of the threat and the subsequent police action (providing Singh with protection) lend significant weight to the assertion that there was a credible risk to his safety.

The RCMP has not publicly confirmed the identity of the threats but has acknowledged the evolving security environment for public figures and the seriousness of threats against them (Global News). The involvement of a suspected Indian agent and the connection to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang adds a layer of complexity, suggesting that this is not an isolated incident but part of broader concerns regarding foreign interference in Canadian politics (Global News).

The reliability of the sources cited in the Global News articles is generally considered high, as they are a reputable news organization with a history of investigative journalism. However, the use of anonymous sources does necessitate a cautious approach to fully accepting the claims without further corroboration from official channels.

Conclusion

The claim that Jagmeet Singh was targeted by a suspected Indian government agent, leading to police protection, is True. The evidence presented by credible news sources indicates that Singh was indeed under surveillance, and the RCMP took necessary precautions to ensure his safety based on credible threats to his life. The context of rising tensions between Canada and India regarding foreign interference further supports the validity of this claim.

Sources

1. Indian agent had Jagmeet Singh under close surveillance
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7. Singh blasts Modi government over allegations India agents ...
8. Canada-India tensions: What's happened and how did we ...