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Indian-origin men sentenced for bid to kill Sikh RJ in New Zealand
The court heard that the lead defendant harbored long-standing resentment against Harnek Singh due to the latter's vocal opposition to Khalistan.
Harnek Singh / Facebook @HarnekSinghnz
Three individuals of Indian origin in New Zealand have received sentences for the attempted murder of a prominent Auckland-based Sikh radio host, Harnek Singh, known for his opposition to the Khalistan ideology.
Attack
The attack took place on December 23, 2020, when Singh was ambushed in his driveway by a group of religious extremists. The assailants inflicted over 40 stab wounds, leading to Singh's extensive injuries. His recovery necessitated more than 350 stitches and multiple surgeries, as reported by Australia Today.
One of the convicts, 27-year-old Sarvjeet Sidhu, has been sentenced to 9.5 years in jail, as reported by the New Zealand Herald. Sukhpreet Singh, an accomplice, received six months of home detention.
The lead defendant, a 48-year-old individual with interim name suppression, who was not present during the attack but was convicted of orchestrating it, has been sentenced to 13.5 years in jail. This "devoutly religious Auckland resident" must serve a minimum of 9 years before being eligible for parole.
The maximum sentence for attempted murder in New Zealand is 14 years.
COURT
The court heard that the lead defendant harbored long-standing resentment against Harnek Singh due to the latter's vocal opposition to Khalistan. The individual meticulously planned the "hit" and wielded influence over others, leveraging this power to recruit henchmen to carry out the attack, according to the judge's statements.
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 had been followed by three cars full of men before the attackers stabbed him "within an inch of his life."
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