CHANDIGARH: A 45-year-old social media influencer of Punjabi origin, Nancy Grewal, who was stabbed to death in Canada earlier this week, had clarified her stand on Khalistani extremism groups just weeks before the attack.
In a video posted on February 22 on her YouTube channel, ‘Nancy Grewal Canada CA’, titled “I respect only original Khalistan## jo India da flag di disrespect karday#i hate ## (I hate those who disrespect Indian flag)”, Nancy spoke about allegations that she opposed Khalistanis.
She said there were “a lot of rumours that she was against Khalistanis and that she abused them”.
“I clarified several times that I am not against genuine Khalistanis; people have their rights. But I am against those Khalistanis who abuse women and issue dirty threats. I am against violence and burning the Indian flag,” she said.
Grewal was stabbed on March 3 in LaSalle in Ontario. According to the LaSalle Police Service, emergency responders were called to the 2400 block of Todd Lane shortly before 9:30pm following reports of a stabbing.
Police said a 45-year-old woman was found with injuries and was taken to hospital by Essex-Windsor Emergency Medical Services, where she later died.
Authorities later identified the victim as Nancy Grewal and said the homicide investigation was ongoing.
“To ease public concern, we are sharing that investigators are viewing this as an isolated incident,” the LaSalle Police Service said in a statement, urging anyone with information or video surveillance footage to come forward.
Grewal was active on social media and often expressed views on social and political issues related to Punjab. She had spoken against Khalistan supporters and had also made remarks about pro-Khalistan activist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
In recent weeks, she had also commented on Radha Soami Satsang Beas head Gurinder Singh Dhillon after he met Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia in Nabha Jail on February 2.
Her mother alleged that Nancy had been receiving threats for some time.
“She was stabbed multiple times,” Kaur said, claiming that some hardliners based in Windsor had developed hostility towards her daughter.
Kaur also said Nancy had earlier survived another attack when her house was allegedly set on fire.
“Nancy continued to receive threats,” she said.
According to Kaur, a masked youth had once come near Nancy’s residence to conduct a recce. “Nancy had installed CCTV cameras at her residence. When she spotted him, he got scared. Had the CCTV cameras not been installed, he could have killed Nancy at her residence,” she said.
Kaur said Nancy moved to Canada in 2018, where she completed a nursing course and worked for two companies. The mother said she last spoke to her daughter on March 2. Nancy did not answer her calls the next day.
“Nancy used to share everything including about her patients,” she said.
The TOI City Desk is an indefatigable team of journalists dedicat...
Read MoreThe TOI City Desk is an indefatigable team of journalists dedicated to bringing you the pulse of cities from across the nation, all day and all night. Our mission is to curate, report, and deliver city news that matters to readers of The Times of India. With a keen focus on urban life, governance, culture, and local issues, we provide a comprehensive view of the ever-evolving cityscapes. Our team works tirelessly to keep readers informed about the latest developments, ensuring that they are connected to the heartbeat of cities across India, right when it happens. The TOI City Desk is a trusted source for staying in touch with the local stories that shape your world.
Read Less
Start a Conversation
Post comment