Was Indian Agents Behind ShootingTargeting Simranjeet Singh, A Friend Of Martyred Sikh Leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar?
Police officials remain silent as two 16-year-old youths are arrested in the shooting at Sikh activist Simranjit Singh’s house while Sikh community officials say it was Indian government agents behind another attempted assassination after it was caught red-handed in the killing of Canadian Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a close friend of Simranjit Singh who was targeted in the shooting on February 1, shortly after he and other activists held their ongoing protests, marking India’s Republic Day. Police said two 16-year-old males from Surrey were arrested for careless use of a firearm and discharge a firearm with intent. The youths were released without charges at this time. The BC Gurdwara Council spokesperson Moninder Singh clearly put the blame the shooting of Simranjit Singh’s house on the Indian government and said this latest violence has left people on edge. “This is where people feel safe. This is where people feel we as a community can make a stand, even though this is the same place that Hardeep Singh was assassinated, this is still our place to go as a community and we can’t let fear not let us gather,” he said.
By PD Raj – Senior Reporter DESIBUZZCanada
SURREY – Police officials remain silent as two 16-year-old youths are arrested in the shooting at Sikh activist Simranjit Singh’s house while Sikh community officials say it was Indian government agents behind another attempted assassination after it was caught red-handed in the killing of Canadian Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a close friend of Simranjit Singh who was targeted in the shooting on February 1, shortly after he and other activists held their ongoing protests, marking India’s Republic Day.
Surrey RCMP said this week that the two youths have been arrested in the ongoing investigation of shots fired at Simranjit Singh’s residence in South Surrey.
On February 1 at approximately 1:21 a.m., Surrey RCMP received a report of shots fired at a residence in the 2800-block of 154 Street.
On Tuesday, February 6, the Surrey RCMP Serious Crime Unit executed a search warrant on a residence in the 7700-block of 140 Street. Police seized three firearms and multiple electronic devices during the search.
Police said two 16-year-old males from Surrey were arrested for careless use of a firearm and discharge a firearm with intent. The youths were released without charges at this time.
Investigators continue to gather information, obtain witness statements and collect evidence to advance the investigation and determine the motive of this shooting.
Surrey RCMP said it takes threats and acts of violence seriously and they work closely with victims to ensure their continued safety.
While the police remains silent, the B.C. Gurdwara Council said following the shooting that the target was Simranjeet Singh was a close friend of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, former president of the Surrey Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara and strong proponent Khalistan who was shot and killed in broad daylight outside the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey in 2023.
Canada says it has proof that India and agents were behind Nijjar’s murder and the RCMP recently announced that it will be unveiling the killers of Nijjar soon.
The BC Gurdwara Council spokesperson Moninder Singh clearly put the blame the shooting of Simranjit Singh’s house on the Indian government and said this latest violence has left people on edge.
“This is where people feel safe. This is where people feel we as a community can make a stand, even though this is the same place that Hardeep Singh was assassinated, this is still our place to go as a community and we can’t let fear not let us gather,” he said.
Moninder says the shooting happened soon after Simranjeet, who’s said to be in his mid-30s, arrived home.
“There were approximately five or six individuals [at home]. His wife, his kids and possibly his parents. Where the shooting happened, it went through the front of the house, it narrowly missed him sitting in the front living room and the shooting also extended to a bedroom upstairs where his six-year-old son was sleeping, and it went through his headboard and missed his head by about a foot.”
Moninder added his take on a possible motive, which Surrey RCMP says it’s still investigating.
“This isn’t extortion, this isn’t a local matter, this isn’t a personal matter, this is a political matter,” said Moninder. “It’s extended, now again, from New Delhi, and landed in our lap in Canada which is extremely unfortunate.”
Moninder saud the Mounties have been working with them, but the community continues to seek clarity.
“The police has been very receptive of information that’s being passed on. One thing we do need to clarify with them is where is that information going and are they putting any measures in place. We’re unaware of that. Simranjeet is unaware of the information he provided and what was done with it, so maybe there are some follow-up issues and communication gaps.”
But the Surrey RCMP Major Crime Section, which is leading the investigation, called this an isolated incident. It’s asking for anyone with information, including CCTV and dashcam footage, to come forward.
If you have any information including CCTV and dash camera footage, please contact Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 and quote file 2024-15076.
