A verbal war of words has escalated between two Canada-linked fugitive operatives following leaked audio recordings in which gangster Goldy Brar claims responsibility for the 2023 killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

In a series of viral audio clips circulating online, Brar — a fugitive wanted in India and targeted by the FBI — claimed he orchestrated the assassination of Nijjar, alleging the Khalistani activist was aiding a network that funneled drugs and illegal weapons to young people. The authenticity of the recordings has not been independently verified.

The claim ignited a dispute with designated terrorist Arshdeep Singh Gill, also known as Arsh Dalla, who responded with threats of retaliation. In a subsequent audio clip, Brar alleged Dalla recently survived a shooting in Hamilton, Ont., and was fitted with a tracking ankle monitor under police surveillance.

Dalla dismissed the accusations in a 15-minute video posted to social media, denying he received money, weapons, or shelter from Nijjar prior to his death. Dalla acknowledged his involvement in the November 2020 murder of a Dera Sacha Sauda follower in Punjab, describing it as revenge for sacrilege incidents, while maintaining he is not a traitor to the Sikh community.

Nijjar was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey, B.C., in June 2023. The killing triggered severe diplomatic tension between Ottawa and New Delhi and Ottawa.