The Canadian Security Intelligence Service will not confirm whether it is looking into the slaying of Windsor's Nancy Grewal, but a spokesperson said Khalistan and other extremism still pose a danger in Canada.
Meanwhile, investigators probing potential Khalistan links, among other motives, believe the killer canvassed the neighbourhood before carrying out the 'planned' attack.
CSIS Statement on Extremism
'Ongoing involvement in violent extremist activities by CBKEs (Canadian-based Khalistan extremists) continues to pose a national security threat to Canada and Canadians interests,' Magali Hebert, a spokesperson with CSIS, said in an emailed response to the Star.
Hebert also noted that some Canadians participate in lawful activity connected to the Khalistan separatist movement. 'Non-violent advocacy for the creation of a state of Khalistan is not considered extremism,' Hebert said.
The Murder of Nancy Grewal
Grewal, a personal support worker, was ambushed and stabbed multiple times around 9:30 p.m. on March 3 as she left a client's home in the 2400 block of Todd Lane in LaSalle. She was on the job alone at the time of the brutal attack. Paramedics rushed her to hospital, where she died.
Grewal's death drew international attention as she was an outspoken critic of the separatist movement advocating for a Sikh state in the Punjab region of northern India. Police said they are looking at possible links to her online criticisms but still have not confirmed any connection. She publicly said she feared for her safety.
Investigation Details
'Investigators believe this was a targeted incident and that the suspect spent time in the area prior to (the) murder,' said Det. Insp. Mike Deyell of the Ontario Provincial Police criminal investigation branch. 'We do not have a confirmed timeline, but investigators believe the homicide was planned and the suspect took steps to become familiar with the area beforehand.'
Police allege the killer used a large, wooded area behind the home as a route to approach Grewal and flee the scene after the attack. Deyell said investigators believe the suspect would not have been familiar with the neighbourhood and would have had to prepare in advance. 'That would include identifying access points and ensuring they had a clear way to get in and out without drawing attention,' Deyell told the Star.
An entrance to walking trails north of Todd Lane near the Herb Gray Parkway, about a kilometre away, is where police believe the suspect parked to access the wooded area behind the homes. Joe Stevenson, who has lived beside the parkette for eight years, said unfamiliar vehicles are not uncommon near the trail entrance. Still, he had noticed a 'couple new vehicles' in the area that stood out to him.
