The third defendant, not present during the attack, harbored longstanding resentment against Harnek Singh for his vocal opposition to Khalistan, planning the assault and leveraging his influence to recruit others for the crime, according to the judge.
In a recent case highlighting religious tensions, three individuals of Indian origin residing in New Zealand have been sentenced for their involvement in the attempted murder of Harnek Singh, a prominent Auckland-based Sikh radio host known for his outspoken stance against the Khalistan ideology, as reported by PTI.
The incident took place on December 23, 2020, when Harnek Singh was ambushed by a group of religious extremists in his driveway. Suffering over 40 stab wounds, he underwent extensive medical procedures, including more than 350 stitches and multiple surgeries, to recover, according to reports from Australia Today.
The court found Sukhpreet Singh, aged 44, guilty of being an accessory, while Sarvjeet Sidhu, aged 27, pleaded guilty to attempted murder. The third man, a 48-year-old Auckland resident whose name remains under interim suppression, received one of the lengthiest prison sentences for the crime, as reported by the New Zealand Herald.
During a hearing on November 28, the judge underscored the importance of community protection and the need for a strong deterrent message due to the unique nature of the case. The third defendant, not present during the attack, harbored longstanding resentment against Harnek Singh for his vocal opposition to Khalistan, planning the assault and leveraging his influence to recruit others for the crime, according to the judge.
Describing the motivation behind the attack as bearing "all the hallmarks of religious fanaticism," the judge emphasized the necessity of a different sentencing approach. The imposed sentence was 13-and-a-half years, with a minimum period of imprisonment of nine years before eligibility for parole, reported the Herald. Although the maximum sentence for attempted murder is 14 years, a six-month credit was granted to the defendant for time spent on electronically monitored bail during the trial.
Harnek Singh, who did not attend the hearing, conveyed his sentiments through a victim impact statement read by prosecutors. He highlighted the ongoing fear his family faces and defiantly stated, "You came to kill me... You wanted to send a chilling message, but you failed. I will continue to express my opinions and beliefs as I always have.