The sentencing in New Zealand of three Sikh men for the attempted murder of Harnek Singh, a well-known Indian-origin radio host, has drawn attention. Harnek Singh, a DJ at Radio Virsa in Auckland, was brutally attacked in his driveway, sustaining over 40 stab wounds, requiring more than 350 stitches and multiple surgeries.
Sarvjeet Sidhu, 27, admitted to attempted murder and was sentenced to nine-and-a-half years’ imprisonment. Sukhpreet Singh, 44, was convicted of being an accessory to attempted murder, receiving a sentence of six months' home detention.
The 48-year-old primary defendant, whose name is under interim suppression, orchestrated the murder and received one of the lengthiest possible prison sentences of 13-and-a-half years, with a minimum non-parole period of nine years. The motive was reportedly rooted in resentment towards Harnek Singh's political views and his more liberal interpretation of their shared Sikh faith.
The lead defendant meticulously planned the attack, leveraging his influence to recruit others and carry out the assault. Notably, the judge reduced his sentence by six months due to time spent on electronically-monitored bail during the trial.
Harnek Singh, though absent from the hearing, expressed the ongoing fear and trauma his family faces since the incident, stating that their lives have been shadowed by constant fear for their safety.
The attack occurred after Harnek was followed home by a group of men in three cars, resulting in a violent assault where he was left severely injured, requiring extensive stitches and surgeries. The assault was reportedly linked to Harnek challenging pro-Khalistan ideology promoted by the primary defendant.
Furthermore, other individuals await sentencing for their roles in the attempted murder, with some found guilty of wielding knives during the attack and others implicated for aiding and abetting the assailants.
Notably, two individuals were acquitted due to insufficient evidence against them, underscoring the complexities of the case and the ongoing legal proceedings related to this distressing incident.
(With Agency Inputs)
ALSO READ | Tragic Discovery: Indian Student Found Deceased on Riverbank in the UK
ALSO READ | Study Reveals 15% of US Population Now Comprises Foreign-Born Individuals
