Khalistan Extremists Charged with Attempted Murder of Sikh Radio Host
Three individuals linked to the Khalistan movement have been sentenced for the attempted murder of Auckland-based radio host Harnek Singh, who vehemently opposes the Khalistan ideology. The assailants, armed with knives, attacked Singh outside his home, stabbing him over 40 times in an attempt to silence his anti-Khalistan views.
Sarvjeet Sidhu, aged 27, pleaded guilty to the charge of attempted murder, while Sukhpreet Singh, aged 44, was found guilty of being an accessory. The third individual involved, whose name has not been revealed, is a 48-year-old Auckland resident who orchestrated the attack due to his resentment towards Singh’s opposition to the Khalistan movement.
During the sentencing, Judge Mark Woolford emphasized the need for community protection and the deterrence of religious fanaticism. The unidentified mastermind behind the attack received a sentence of 13-and-a-half years, with a minimum imprisonment term of nine years before being eligible for parole. Sarvjeet Sidhu was sentenced to nine-and-a-half years’ imprisonment, while Sukhpreet Singh received six months of home detention.
Jagraj Singh and Gurbinder Singh, two other individuals implicated in the case, were acquitted due to insufficient evidence. However, Jobanpreet Singh and Hardeep Singh Sandhu are currently awaiting sentencing early next year for their involvement in the attempted murder of the Sikh radio host.
The attack on Harnek Singh took place nearly three years ago in December 2020 when a group of religious extremists ambushed him in his driveway. Singh endured more than 350 stitches and multiple surgeries to recover from the nearly fatal incident. He survived because he managed to lock his car and honk the horn repeatedly, alerting neighbors who rushed to his aid and prevented him from bleeding to death.
Judge Woolford described the attack as bearing all the hallmarks of religious fanaticism and stressed the need for a strong message of deterrence to be sent to others with similar extremist views.
Amidst the trial proceedings, it was revealed that two individuals, Avtar Singh, a former bodybuilder, and Baljinder Singh, were acquainted with the unnamed third assailant. However, they distanced themselves from him in 2018, labeling him a thug and a mafia. Baljinder informed the court that he had been approached with an offer to kill Harnek Singh, but declined. Subsequently, he received a call from an individual who confirmed that Singh had indeed been stabbed, with the intention to silence his voice on the radio.
In a statement, Harnek Singh and his family expressed fear for their safety, particularly during the evenings, due to the brutal attack. Singh vowed to continue expressing his opinions and beliefs, emphasizing that the chilling message sent was not one of silencing dissent, but rather of showcasing that actions have consequences, even in the name of religion.
The case highlights the importance of addressing religious extremism and protecting those who dare to speak out against radical ideologies. The Sikh radio host’s resilience in the face of adversity serves as a testament to the power of free speech and the determination to uphold one’s beliefs.
As the global community seeks to promote tolerance and prevent acts of violence stemming from religious differences, the successful prosecution of these individuals serves as a sobering reminder that such actions will not be tolerated. The court’s judgment sends a strong message that the law will not bend for those who perpetrate violence in the name of God.
The case of Harnek Singh stands as evidence that the fight against extremism is an ongoing battle, and it requires continuous vigilance to protect individuals who dare to challenge radical ideologies. The journey towards a more inclusive and accepting society will undoubtedly have its obstacles, but as exemplified by Singh’s courage, it is a fight worth pursuing.
