The allegations against Canada’s Border Security Agency (CBSA) employee Sandeep Singh Sidhu, also known as “Sunny Toronto,” have highlighted ongoing tensions between Canada and India over issues related to terrorism and anti-India activities allegedly supported from Canadian soil. Canada recently accused India of involvement in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan activist, despite lacking concrete evidence. Meanwhile, India accuses Canada of protecting Sidhu, whom it views as a key player in the assassination of Shaurya Chakra awardee Balwinder Singh Sandhu in Punjab in October 2020.
Sidhu, a suspected member of the banned International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), has been linked to a larger plot allegedly orchestrated by Pakistan’s intelligence agency, ISI, to target Sandhu, known for his resistance against militancy in Punjab. Sources say Sidhu’s involvement, which included coordinating with hitmen and providing logistical support, was facilitated by connections within ISI and Khalistani circles.
India alleges that Sidhu worked closely with Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), despite CBSA’s assurance that he had passed rigorous background checks and that no evidence linked him to criminal activity in India. Intelligence sources report that Sidhu was also connected to Gurjot Kaur, widow of former Khalistan Liberation Force chief Harmeet Singh, who played a central role in recruiting hitmen to carry out Sandhu’s assassination. Gurjit Singh, Sukhdeep Singh, and Inderjeet Singh, who executed the plot, were reportedly motivated by financial incentives and promises of shelter in Canada.
The conspiracy involved multiple layers of coordination. Dubai-based gangster Sukh Bhikhariwal and Sidhu allegedly coordinated with ISI’s pro-Khalistan operative Lakhbir Singh Rode to organize the attack. The shooters received weapons and training, and detailed intelligence about Sandhu’s location was provided through intermediaries. On October 16, 2020, the hitmen entered Sandhu’s home, where he was shot and killed.
Following Sandhu’s murder, Indian authorities launched a crackdown, arresting several suspects and uncovering Sidhu’s alleged involvement through confessions and social media connections. Despite India’s extradition request for Sidhu, CBSA maintains there is no basis for the allegations. As the diplomatic rift between Canada and India intensifies, these unresolved cases continue to strain bilateral relations, with India pressing Canada to take stronger action against individuals it accuses of harboring and supporting anti-India extremists.
