New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that the conspiracy to kill Shaurya Chakra awardee teacher, Balwinder Singh Sandhu, in Punjab was hatched by pro-Khalistani people in Canada. Sandhu was killed in 2020. The NIA’s submission came amid ongoing diplomatic row between India and Canada over Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjars killing.
In October 2020, the Shaurya Chakra awardee was shot dead outside his home in Punjab's Tarn Taran district. The agency, in an affidavit, alleged that Sukhmeet Pal Singh, alias Sunny Toronto, and Lakhveer Singh, killed Sandhu. According to a report published in India Today, Lakhveer Singh is the nephew of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.
Sunny Toronto is reported to be a Khalistan Liberation Force operative based in Canada. According to reports, the duo wanted to revive pro-Khalistani activities in Punjab. Sandhu was one of their targets. They contacted a man to execute Sandhu's murder.
"The main objective of the Khalistan Liberation Force is to create Khalistan by means of an armed struggle," the NIA said in its affidavit as reported by the media house. "Organisations and persons who oppose the ideology of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale are the prime targets of the group," the affidavit added.
A diplomatic row escalated between India and Canada on Tuesday over allegations of the Government of India's involvement in the killing of Canadian Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023. India announced withdrawing its high commissioner and other "targeted diplomats and officials" from Canada after strongly dismissing Ottawa's allegations linking the envoy to an investigation into the killing of Nijjar.
Further, New Delhi also suspended six Canadian diplomates including Acting High Commissioner Stewart Ross Wheeler, Deputy High Commissioner Patrick Hebert, First Secretary Marie Catherine Joly, First Secretary Ross David Trites, First Secretary Adam James Chuipka and First Secretary Paula Orjuela.