A social media account promoting Khalistani extremist views has claimed responsibility for the fatal stabbing of Nancy Grewal, a popular Indo-Canadian commentator known for her outspoken criticism of the Khalistan movement.
On social media, an account wrote in Punjabi that Grewal was killed for speaking out against Khalistan, warning others who criticise the movement that they “will meet the same fate.”
“This woman was saying bad things about religion and Khalistan,” a caption shown over a picture of Grewal states, as per CBC.
“And she got the result of that. We don’t have anything against any community or religion, and if anyone say something against our community and Khalistan like this, they will meet the same fate.”
While police have confirmed they are examining the account and its claims, they have not independently verified the post.
LaSalle police confirmed that Grewal, 45, of Windsor, Ontario, was found with serious injuries at a home on Todd Lane shortly before 9.30pm on 3 March. She was taken to hospital but later died.
Grewal had built a prominent online presence within local and international Punjabi communities, where she frequently posted blunt commentary on social and religious issues.
She was particularly known for challenging pro-Khalistan figures – a stance that had drawn hostility in parts of the diaspora where the separatist cause remains active.
Her sister, Alishaa Grewal, described the killing as “pre-planned,” saying her sister often named people in videos whom she believed were “doing wrong.”
“She went to the police and complained about that and she gave some names whom she had doubts on. She told the police ‘if something happens to me, these are the names that have done bad with me.’”
Alisha says the family suspects those involved in the stabbing are local to the Windsor area and they have provided that information to police.
“Right now I’m not taking any names. We want the police to do their investigation.”
From India, Grewal’s mother, Shinderpal Kaur, said her daughter had previously received threats and raised safety concerns with police, adding that some community members remained silent out of fear.
The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) Canada condemned the killing, describing Grewal as a “courageous Sikh woman” and urging Canadian authorities to treat the case with urgency. The group warned that the attack was part of a wider pattern of intimidation against people who publicly challenge extremist narratives, and called for measures to protect journalists, public figures, and community leaders from harassment or violence.
Meanwhile, the Hindu Canadian Foundation also strongly condemned the murder of Nancy Grewal, calling it a “targeted” attack likely carried out by Canada‑based Khalistani extremists (CBKE). HCF warned that:
“#CBKE poses a serious threat to all Canadians, and HCF has repeatedly warned authorities about this danger.”
The organisation described Grewal as a “courageous and outspoken critic of Khalistani extremists” and said her killing should serve as a wake‑up call for Canadians and political leaders. HCF urged authorities to confront homegrown extremist networks, investigate transparently, and formally designate CBKE and associated individuals as terrorist entities. In memory of Grewal, HCF declared 3 March as “Anti‑Khalistan Day, a movement by Canadians united against terrorism.”
Canadian political figures have expressed concern over the attack. Former Toronto MP Kevin Vuong described the Khalistani movement as “an organised crime group that falsely drapes itself in the robes of religion and revolution,” adding that attacks such as this “present a direct threat to Canadians” and that authorities must intervene before further violence occurs.
Community members in Windsor and LaSalle have described the death as “disturbing” and “shocking.” Indo-Canadian community leader Ruchi Wali highlighted the irony of violence against Sikhs by Khalistani extremists, saying:
“Sikh victims of Khalistan, when Khalistan is supposed to speak for Sikhs & represent Sikhs. How ironic!”
Wali noted that Nancy Grewal, the slain influencer, was stabbed 18 times and had previously said she did not feel safe in Canada for speaking out against violent Khalistani extremism. She also recalled historical attacks on critics of the movement, including journalists and community figures: Tara Singh Hayer (attacked 1988, murdered 1998), Ujjal Dosanjh (attacked with an iron bar, 1985), Balraj Deol (beaten with hockey sticks and bats, 1985), and Gurcharan Rampuri (severely beaten, 1984).
Canadian authorities have stressed that, at this stage, they cannot confirm a political motive, but are treating the stabbing as intentional and targeted. Police have said the attack was targeted and not a random act of violence, stressing that the investigation remains ongoing. Police are urging anyone with information, including residents with CCTV or doorbell footage, to contact Detective Sergeant Jamie Nestor. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers.
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