Three individuals supporting the Khalistan ideology have received sentences for their involvement in the attempted murder of Harnek Singh, a well-known radio host based in Auckland. The incident took place as Singh, who has consistently spoken out against Khalistan, faced threats. The Australia Today reported on the sentencing, shedding light on the details of the case.

Sarvjeet Sidhu, 27, has admitted to the charge of attempted murder, while Sukhpreet Singh, 44, has been convicted as an accessory. The third individual, a 48-year-old Auckland resident whose identity is temporarily suppressed, orchestrated the planned attack due to resentment towards Harnek Singh for his outspoken stance against Khalistan, as reported by Australia Today, citing NZ Herald.

During the court proceedings, Judge Mark Woolford underscored the importance of safeguarding the community and deterring religious fanaticism.

The assault took place on December 23, 2020, when Harnek Singh was attacked by a group of religious extremists in his driveway. He sustained over 40 stab wounds, leading to the need for more than 350 stitches and multiple surgeries for his recovery.

Judge Woolford remarked, "It bears all the hallmarks of religious fanaticism..... Sentencing in this context requires a different approach. The emphasis must be placed on protecting the community from further violence and it is essential to send a strong message of deterrence to others."

Harnek Singh, also known as Nekki, was chased by three cars before assailants stabbed him severely. Despite sustaining life-threatening injuries, he managed to lock himself in his vehicle, alerting neighbours with the horn and preventing potential fatal bleeding, as per The Australia Today.

During the trial, Avtar Singh, a former acquaintance of the unnamed individual, described him as a "thug" and "mafia," emphasizing his manipulative influence on vulnerable people. Baljinder, another associate, revealed he was asked to kill Harnek but refused. On December 23, Jaspal Singh informed him, "Job is done, he's no longer going to be on the radio."

According to the court proceedings, a 48-year-old defendant, currently under interim name suppression, was not present during the attack on Harnek Singh. The court was informed that this individual had nurtured a prolonged grudge against the Kiwi radio host, stemming from Singh's outspoken opposition to Khalistan.

"Harnek Singh told the courtroom that his opinions regarding Sikhism probably fall more along the liberal end of the spectrum while the majority of his critics were more on the fundamentalist or conservative side," as reported by Australia Today.

Harnek Singh addressed the defendants directly, stating, "You came to kill me. You tried to silence me. You wanted to send a chilling message to all those who express their disagreement with your unorthodox religious views. But you failed."

Image source: ANI