Canadian authorities are examining whether pro-Khalistan extremism could have played a role in the murder of Indo-Canadian influencer Nancy Grewal, which occurred over three weeks ago.
According to a report by the local publication Windsor Star, investigators have, for the first time, confirmed that they are exploring possible connections between the murder of Windsor's Nancy Grewal and the controversial Indian Sikh separatist movement she opposed, among other potential motives.
A spokesperson for the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) mentioned that investigators are examining all possible connections and considering every option.
At the time of her murder, Grewal lived in the Windsor suburb of LaSalle. She was a vocal opponent of the Khalistan movement.
The investigation is being carried out by the OPP in collaboration with the LaSalle Police Service.
Previously, they had made public CCTV footage from an arson incident at her home on November 8 of the previous year. The video depicted an unknown individual pouring a flammable substance on her front porch and then igniting it. Police stated in a release on Monday that since the arson and homicide involve the same victim, the LPS, guided by the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, has assumed responsibility for the arson investigation to explore any possible connections between the two events.
Nonetheless, they mentioned it was unclear if the person in the surveillance footage was linked to the homicide.
Grewal was discovered with stab wounds at a home in LaSalle, Ontario, just before 9:30 p.m. on March 3.
In a statement naming her as the victim, LaSalle Police Chief Michael Pearce stated, "Investigators are certain this was not a random act of violence. Ms. Grewal's murder is being treated as a deliberate act against her. All information is being taken into account."
Following her divorce, Grewal relocated from Calgary to LaSalle.
Grewal was found with severe injuries and was taken by Essex-Windsor Emergency Medical Services to a nearby hospital, where she subsequently died.
In a recent video, Grewal, speaking in English, adopted a strong stance against pro-Khalistan factions and criticized politicians for neglecting the issue in pursuit of votes.
She stated that it is the moment to oppose these Khalistani criminals.
At the beginning of the video, she stated, "I'm a Canadian citizen, yet I currently don't feel secure in this country."
In an interview with CBC News in late February, Grewal mentioned receiving 40 death threats. However, the interview was not broadcast until nine days later, after her death.
Shinderpal Kaur, 70, mentioned that her daughter, Grewal, had often been threatened with death by extremists due to her online content.
She mentioned that local extremists opposed her work and became hostile towards Nancy. She further explained that two months prior, unknown individuals set her home on fire. Nancy survived the incident and informed the police. Recently, she also received a letter threatening her life, and they have given the authorities the names of three potential suspects.
