Sukhdool Singh, an associate of the Khalistani terrorist Arshdeep Singh, also known as Arsh Dala and a wanted individual in India, met his demise in Winnipeg, Canada. Reports suggest that his demise resulted from inter-gang rivalry, adding another layer of complexity to his criminal activities.
Sukhdool Singh, categorized as an A-class gangster originally hails from Moga in Punjab, India, and had previously managed to flee to Canada to evade law enforcement in his home country. His escape to Canada in 2017 involved obtaining a passport and a police clearance certificate through fraudulent means, despite having seven criminal cases registered against him in India. His ability to evade authorities was further facilitated by the assistance of two police officials, who were subsequently apprehended by the Moga police.
The incident of Sukhdool Singh's killing occurs within the context of escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, particularly concerning the assassination of another Khalistani terrorist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in Surrey, British Columbia. Najjar, another individual wanted by Indian authorities, was fatally shot outside a gurdwara in June.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in a statement on Monday, disclosed that Canadian security agencies were actively investigating potential links between the Indian government and Hardeep Singh Nijjar, whom he identified as a "Canadian citizen" and the leader of the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF). This statement sparked a sharp response from India, which dismissed Trudeau's allegations as "absurd" and "motivated." As a reciprocal measure, India expelled a senior Canadian diplomat in response to Ottawa's expulsion of an Indian official over the same matter.
Amid these diplomatic tensions, the Indian government issued an advisory on Wednesday, urging Indian nationals and students in Canada to exercise "utmost caution." This advisory comes in light of the "growing anti-India activities" and instances of politically sanctioned hate crimes and violence occurring in Canada. Notably, Canada had previously issued a similar advisory for its citizens residing in India, reflecting the ongoing standoff between the two nations regarding Nijjar's killing.
