New Delhi: It is suspected that Pakistan-backed Khalistanis are behind the shooting death of Ripudaman Singh Mallik, who was accused in the Kanishka plane blast case. For a long time, Mallik was the thorn in the side of the Khalistanists.
The murder took place on Thursday in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. Intelligence sources indicated that Mallik had a plan to expose the Khalistanis in a channel interview on 20th of this month. Some also share the conclusion that Mallick, who visited India recently and wrote letters praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his policies, may have angered the Khalistan activists.
Mallick was charged with murder and conspiracy in the 1985 Air India bombing case. He was acquitted in 2005.
Mallick’s work was focused on the field of education for a few years. He established the Khalsa Credit Union and the Khalsa School and was soon in the process of starting the Khalsa College. The head of the Akal Takht (Jathedar) was invited for the foundation stone laying ceremony of the college.
However, the visit, which was supposed to take place three weeks ago, was canceled fearing Mallick’s critics. Intelligence sources point out that Mallik would not have been allowed to preach anti-India at the event.
Mallik had alleged that Jathedar’s visit was canceled due to threats from a section of Khalistani. Later, in a talk show with journalist Kuldeep Singh on Sanja TV, Mallik revealed some things. He explained how anti-Indian groups are enemies of Sikhs too. Calling Khalistan supporters Moninder Boyle and Hardeep Nijar as fools, Mallick said that they are acting on the orders of foreign government agencies. This statement was meant for Pakistan. Tired of constant harassment, Mallik finally decided to expose the Khalistanis through a series of interviews. It was during this time that Mallik was brought in.
Intelligence agencies point out that misguided efforts are being made from certain quarters to intimidate voices aligned with India. Top intelligence sources also indicated that there is doubt whether a fair investigation will be conducted in the Mallik case.