Local law enforcement officers in Surrey, British Columbia are looking into a suspicious house fire that broke out next to the residence of a prominent Sikh separatist leader. The fire occurred in the early hours of Tuesday at a home located right beside the house owned by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the legal advisor and head of the Washington-based Sikh for Justice (SFJ) organization.
SFF has been advocating for an independent Sikh homeland of Khalistan in India's Punjab region for several years now through protests and lobbying efforts. Pannun himself has been involved in contentious legal battles with the Indian government over secessionist issues. The timing and location of this particular fire has raised eyebrows within the community according to officials. While there were no casualties, the blaze caused significant property damage before crews were able to put it out.
Investigators from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) arson unit have been analysing the scene closely to determine the cause and examine if it was deliberately set. They are also looking into Pannun's background and activities as the fire occurred so close to his home address. Neighbours reported smelling petrol fumes just before the flames erupted from the affected property. The RCMP has appealed for any possible witnesses to come forward with information that could aid their investigation. No arrests have been made yet but they remain fully committed to solving this case, says the local police commander.
