Ottawa, March 7 (NationPress) A social media account associated with radical Khalistani elements has taken responsibility for the murder of an online figure based in Canada who openly criticized their ideology. This individual had previously been the target of an arson attack, as per various media outlets.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) reported, “A social media platform endorsing extremist Sikh beliefs is claiming responsibility for the stabbing of a woman in LaSalle, a town in southwestern Ontario.”

The victim, identified by police as Nancy Grewal, 45, resided in Windsor.

According to CBC, the extremists shared a post in Punjabi that included a caption on her image stating, “This woman was spreading negative views about our religion and Khalistan. She has faced the consequences of her actions.”

It further issued a chilling message, “Anyone who speaks out against our community and Khalistan will face a similar fate,” as reported by the government-funded broadcaster.

Windsor Star noted that Grewal had previously endured an arson attack, where gasoline was poured on her front door before it was ignited.

In a social media update regarding that incident, she remarked, “I know who is behind this. This person is affiliated with Khalistan.”

“I feel threatened. It was a warning: ‘Keep quiet. Don’t speak out on this matter’,” she expressed.

LaSalle Police Chief Michael Pearce confirmed that the homicide was a targeted act, not a random incident.

He stated, “Investigators believe this was not an arbitrary act of violence. Ms. Grewal's murder is being treated as a deliberate act against her. All aspects are currently being investigated.”

He refrained from providing additional details, stating, “We will not disclose information that could jeopardize the investigation, including leads and investigative paths.”

Harb Gill, the Member of Parliament for the area, shared on Facebook, “Having spent many years with the LaSalle Police Service, I understand that investigations of this nature require time and must be based on facts and evidence.”

“I have confidence in my former colleagues at the LaSalle Police Service,” he added, expressing sorrow over Grewal’s passing, noting, “Ms. Grewal was a prominent voice on digital platforms, and the social media response indicates that many people globally engaged with her insights.”

CBC highlighted that Grewal, originally from India, “had a significant online presence within both local and international Punjabi communities.”

“She was particularly noted for her anti-Khalistan sentiments,” frequently sharing her viewpoints on South Asian news and political matters, CBC reported.

Windsor Star revealed that Grewal was a personal caregiver and was alone at a client's home in LaSalle when the attack occurred.

The news outlet quoted Nandini Tirumala, Programme Director of the Windsor South Asian Centre, stating that Grewal's death has deeply unsettled the community.

“We are shocked and saddened to see one of our community members brutally harmed,” she stated.

Windsor Star noted that Tirumala “preferred not to comment on Khalistani politics.”