Watch: Canada cops' self-goal on charges of India targeting Sikh Canadians

In the midst of escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Canada over the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) seems to have scored a spectacular own goal.

During a press conference on Monday (local time), the RCMP claimed their investigation into Nijjar's killing revealed links between agents of the Indian government and "homicides and violent acts" in Canada. It also alleged that these agents had been coercing and threatening businesses and individuals in Canada's South Asian diaspora.

But the real entertainment began when a journalist sought clarification, asking if India’s alleged "transnational repression and foreign interference" specifically targeted the Sikh Canadian community.

"So, yes, I mean, it (India) is targeting the South Asian community," fumbled RCMP Assistant Commissioner Brigitte Gauvin, before adding, "but what we’ve seen is they are specifically targeting pro-Khalistan elements in Canada.”

It was a telling slip. By Gauvin's own admission, India's alleged interference is not indiscriminate but rather focused on individuals and groups associated with Khalistani extremism.

The admission contradicts the Canadian government's broader allegations of India's involvement in "serious criminal activity" on Canadian soil.

The journalist pressed on, asking if Sikhs not associated with the Khalistan movement were also being targeted.

Gauvin, clearly aware of the quagmire, backpedaled, refusing to provide specific details to "preserve the integrity" of the ongoing investigation.

Still, the assistant commissioner insisted that organised crime groups, particularly the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, were at the center of this intrigue, working with agents allegedly connected to the Indian government.

"What we have seen is, from an RCMP perspective, they use organised crime elements. It has been publically attributed and claimed by one organised crime group in particular - Bishnoi Group. We believe that the group is connected to agents of the Government of India," she said, though evidence to substantiate these bold claims was notably absent.