Investigators are renewing their appeal to the public for tips in the fatal stabbing of Nancy Grewal, a Windsor woman whose death garnered international attention due to her outspoken criticism of the Khalistan separatist movement.
Grewal, a 45-year-old 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 later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Detective Inspector Mike Deyell of the Ontario Provincial Police's criminal investigation branch emphasized the importance of public assistance. "I want to remind the public that Nancy Grewal is a young woman who was murdered," Deyell said. "She provided great support to the public in that role ... we're asking for the public's continued assistance in helping bring her killer — or killers — to justice."
Ongoing Investigation
The LaSalle Police Service and OPP continue to investigate the homicide more than three months later. As of Wednesday, no arrests have been made. "We're not in a position to identify any suspects at this point in time publicly," Deyell told the Star. "We're still actively looking for any and all suspects that may have been responsible for the murder."
Background and International Attention
Grewal moved from India to Canada in 2018. She was an outspoken online critic of Khalistan, a separatist movement advocating for a Sikh state in the Punjab region of northern India. Her death drew worldwide attention, particularly in India, where speculation quickly focused on alleged links to Khalistan extremists.
Police said they are "looking at all avenues," including the potential link to Grewal's criticisms of Khalistan, but would not publicly confirm any connection. "We can't speculate on the motive behind this and we can't confirm any links," Deyell said. "I know that is one area that has been floated in the media as a potential motive."
Prior Threats and Arson
In the months before her death, Grewal said in a social media video that she feared for her safety after someone poured gasoline on the front of her Windsor home and tried to torch it. Grewal reported the incident to Windsor police. The OPP has since taken over the arson investigation and folded it into the homicide probe. Provincial police said Windsor officers responded to the arson report at Grewal's home on Nov. 8.
Surveillance footage released in March shows a man exiting the passenger side of a vehicle, pouring liquid onto the front porch of the home, and starting a fire. The arsonist has not been identified.
"The arson certainly appears to have been targeted much like the homicide," Deyell said. "Having the same victim involved in two targeted attacks in a relatively short period of time is of significant interest to our investigation."
Renewed Call for Evidence
Investigators continue to seek evidence in Grewal's killing and have issued a renewed request for video footage in Windsor, LaSalle, and Tecumseh. They urge anyone with information to come forward to help bring justice for Nancy Grewal.
