Rising religious tensions behind murder of Brampton man, victim’s family says

The wife of a murdered Brampton man believes increasing animosity between Sikhs and Hindus led to the death of her husband.

In a message posted on a GoFundMe page, Jaspreet Malhi says her husband was a “victim of a crime rooted in hate” and appealed for community support.

Rabinder Singh Malhi, 52, died as a result of injuries sustained in a Caledon home on Nov. 9.

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) say the victim was found injured at the Deer Ridge Trail scene and taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The OPP have not commented on the possible motive or indicated the cause of death.

However, a statement released on behalf of the family says the victim was stabbed over a religious dispute.

Jaspreet Malhi called her husband “a man of peace and respect” and said the senseless nature of his death had compounded the heartbreak of losing him.

“As tensions rise within Brampton, misunderstandings and animosity around religion and identity have become disturbingly prevalent,” she said.

An organization called Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) said rising rhetoric has created “a climate of hostility” adding that pro-Khalistan activist Rabinder Singh Malhi became a target of those who disagreed with his views.

Jaspreet Malhi said she has taken to fundraising to assist with the “immense emotional and financial burdens: funeral costs, and the challenge of finding stability as we move forward without him.”

So far, $67,000 has been raised in the campaign.

The OPP are continuing the investigation but have announced two people have been arrested.

Caledon man Rajinder Kumar, 47, is charged with second-degree murder and Sheetal Verma, 35, also from Caledon, is charged with obstruction of justice.