HUNTER: Did homeland politics lead to Nancy Grewal's stabbing murder in Windsor?
· Toronto Sun
The passions and prejudices seep across the ocean, seemingly inescapable.
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Time and distance do not temper them. In fact, the New World seems to breath new life into old hatreds turning the place that was left behind into an idyllic land of lollipops, puppies, peace and perfection.
Any diaspora is almost always more feverish than the folks they left behind. And that can lead to violence.
Cops in LaSalle near Windsor are calling the horrific stabbing murder of Nancy Grewal, 45, “an isolated incident.” So, to be clear, there is not a knife-wielding maniac on the loose.
But according to reports in the Indian media, Grewal was a well-known Punjabi activist who was outspoken in her opposition to the Khalistan separatism movement. She carried her activism to Canada and it probably got her killed.
Murder an ‘isolated incident’
“The LaSalle Police Service offers our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Ms. Grewal,” police said in a post on social media. “To ease public concern, we are sharing that investigators are viewing this as an isolated incident.”
Yet so far, Investigators have not revealed whether they have a suspect in custody or in fact, whether there are any persons of interest.
According to cops, officers and paramedics responded to reports of a stabbing just before 9:30 p.m. Tuesday at an address on Block Lane. There, they found Grewal suffering from stab wounds. She died shortly after in hospital.
The Indian Express reported that Grewal worked as a caregiver and nurse. On Tuesday, she was on duty at a residence she regularly attended as part of her job.
Family blames Khalistani extremists
However, a broader picture begins to emerge from the Grewal murder. Originally from Punjab, she was an outspoken YouTuber who served up her blunt views on matters both religious and political (can they even be separated anymore?). Her family told the Indian media they believe she was murdered by Khalistani extremists.
Her mother, Shinderpal Kaur, told the Indian Express that Grewal had been threatened in recent months. Cops were reportedly aware of the threats. Several months ago, her Windsor home was set ablaze.
“My daughter never hesitated to speak the truth,” Kaur said. “My daughter demanded a proper investigation into the burning of the house. Now we want the truth behind that incident and a full investigation into her murder.”
Kaur alleged that Grewal’s murder was part of a larger conspiracy involving three people, including one man from Windsor. She added her daughter had ID’d those she believed were threatening her life. Her family said that in an earlier incident, a man broke into her house but fled when he realized the CCTV cameras were filming him.
“She told us about this incident and believed those people might harm her,” Kaur said. “I cannot describe the pain. My daughter was brutally killed.”
‘She spoke the truth’
Grewal reportedly moved to Canada in 2018 after getting married. The marriage ended in divorce and she settled into her new life but remained close with her mother.
“She used to tell me everything about her patients and her routine,” her mother said. “Even when she was busy, she always found time to call. My daughter’s only fault was that she spoke the truth and tried to help others. I want justice for my child.”
My family came here during the potato famine, delighted for peace, opportunity and a full belly. Perhaps when they dreamed their nocturnal adventures were filled with the green of the old country.
And when they awoke, safe, they likely put the past where it belonged. In the past.
@HunterTOSun