Amid the tension between India and Canada over the killing of separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a similar incident was reported where a Punjab resident who fled to Ottawa was shot dead on Wednesday.
He is said to have been killed in Canada’s Winnipeg in an inter-gang rivalry.
According to reports, Sukhdool Singh alias Sukha Duneke, a Khalistani terrorist and a wanted gangster, escaped to Canada from Punjab's Moga district around six years ago. The reports claimed he had forged the documents to reach a country which is over 11,000 km away from Delhi.
Meanwhile, speaking to the news agency ANI, SSP Moga J Elanchezhian said the police informed his uncle and his daughter about his death. He said at least at least 15-16 cases were registered against him.
"His uncle and his daughter here have given information about his death. We are verifying the details. As per our record, 15-16 cases are registered against him," he said.
According to media reports, he has been directing crimes in Punjab and adjoining states through his associates. Earlier in March last year, his name appeared on the list of accused who conspired to kill kabaddi player Sandeep Singh Nangal during a match in Jalandhar. The reports claimed scores of criminal cases were registered against him in Punjab and adjacent states.
As per reports, he was associated with the Devinder Bambiha gang and used to provide aid, and funds in order to strengthen anti-India activities in New Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana and Ottawa.
Killed in less than 24 hours of featuring on the NIA wanted list
It is worth mentioning the report of his killing came less than 24 hours after the National Investigative Agency (NIA) issued a list of wanted criminals who were either residing in India or fled.
“Persons shown in the photos below are accused in the NIA Cases RC-38/2022/NIA/DLI or RC-39/2022/NIA/DLI. If you have any information about properties/assets/ business owned by them in their name or in the name of their associates, friends & relatives, please WhatsApp DM @ +91 7290009373,” the NIA had posted on X on Wednesday.
India-Canada relations may deteriorate further
The latest killing of the Khalistani supporter came at a time when the relations between both-- India and Canada-- reached the lowest point after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau linked the name of Indian agents with the killing of Nijjar in June.
India, in staunch words, rejected the claims and tagged it a "baseless" allegation. Subsequently, both countries expelled senior diplomats and asked them to leave the place as soon as possible.
Earlier on Wednesday, India issued a travel advisory, wherein it cautioned Indian nations and students to refrain from visiting Ottawa rising amid hate crimes and criminal violence in Canada. Sharing the advisory on the social media platform, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi alerted Indian citizens and students to refrain from travelling to Ottawa amid the fact that anti-India activities, hate crimes and criminal violence are on the zenith.
The official emphasised how Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian community who oppose the vested interests, have suffered serious threats in Canada.
Now, with the killing of another Khalistani terrorist, it was expected that the relations between both nations would deteriorate further. However, the extent would be figured out only when the Canadian authorities brief the incident to the media.
