After RedFM host Harjinder Thind and the radio was forced to apologize for dumping on Punjabi women who were allegedly leaving unwanted babies at Surrey Memorial Hospital, another Punjabi radio yahoo has gone rogue after gas-lighting a Punjabi woman who committed suicide in New York after she said she was abused by her husband for years. Local women’s groups and advocates for victims of domestic abuse are calling for the termination of Punjabi radio host Paul Brar on Shere Punjab radio station over his comments about Mandeep Kaur, who died by suicide on Aug. 4 following what she described as years of domestic abuse by her husband. She posted video evidence online of her husband beating her in front of their children. “I think he’s on leave for two weeks now already,” said Kuljinder Singh Gill, one of the vigil’s organizers. “But we are going to push for him to get terminated permanently.”

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff With News Files

SURREY – After RedFM host Harjinder Thind and the radio was forced to apologize for dumping on Punjabi women who were allegedly leaving unwanted babies at Surrey Memorial Hospital, another Punjabi radio yahoo has gone rogue after gas-lighting a Punjabi woman who committed suicide in New York after she said she was abused by her husband for years.

Local women’s groups and advocates for victims of domestic abuse are calling for the termination of Punjabi radio host Paul Brar on Shere Punjab radio station over his comments about Mandeep Kaur, who died by suicide on Aug. 4 following what she described as years of domestic abuse by her husband. She posted video evidence online of her husband beating her in front of their children.

At a vigil held recently in Surrey, speakers condemned dismissive comments made by Brar. They also called for Mandeep Kaur’s husband to be charged criminally.

Gurpreet Kaur, who launched the Kaur-Singh Movement, raising awareness for South Asian domestic violence victims, said Brar’s comments are symptomatic of a culture within South Asian communities that discourages victims from speaking out.

“That was honestly a prime example of how our community reacts and how our elders react,” said Kaur. “[They react as if] it’s a family matter that should not be publicly shown, but there’s an open video that shows her being abused.”

Brar commented on air that Kaur’s husband should not automatically be blamed because he hasn’t been charged with a crime. The host was suspended from Sher E Punjab as a result with a pending investigation, according to a statement by the radio station, reported CBC News. 

“I think he’s on leave for two weeks now already,” said Kuljinder Singh Gill, one of the vigil’s organizers. “But we are going to push for him to get terminated permanently.”

Gill is encouraging others to submit their complaints about Brar to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). If no action is taken, Gill plans to organize a protest in front of the radio station. 

Gill said he has tried to get a hold of management and is skeptical of the disciplinary action taken so far. He says this was not the first time Brar made questionable comments on his show.

“How many strikes is he going to get before it’s too late? She can’t defend herself and now he’s talking behind her back,” said Gill.

The organizers are also calling on New York authorities to act on investigating Mandeep Kaur’s allegations against her husband, reported CBC News.

“We feel our policies and laws are behind the times,” said Saran. “If there’s evidential facts showing that there’s abuse taking place, then what is taking so long to get that charge laid out?”

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, VictimLinkBC is a toll-free, confidential, multilingual service available across B.C. and the Yukon 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be accessed by calling or texting 1-800-563-0808 or sending an email to VictimLinkBC@bc211.ca.