Two suspects remain at large: 33-year-old Simran Preet Panesar of Brampton, believed to be in India, for whom a Canada-wide arrest warrant and extradition request have been issued; and 36-year-old Prasath Paramalingam of Brampton, who failed to appear in court in August 2024.
The protests, sparked more than two weeks ago, have drawn thousands of Iranians to the streets. Authorities responded with severe crackdowns, leaving at least 116 dead and over 2,600 arrested, according to reports.
“At a time of need, we will not shy away from doing what needs to be done. Our homes, businesses and institutions are here to pitch in wherever required.”
Swatting involves making false reports to emergency services to provoke a large-scale police or emergency response and is considered a serious criminal offence.
The National Day of Mourning in January will allow families further time to lay their loved ones to rest and for communities still recovering to come together in remembrance and resolve.
The festival commemorated 1,000 years since the first recorded attack on the temple in 1026 by Mahmud of Ghazni, an event that began a long period during which the shrine was damaged and rebuilt several times.
The incident has left the Indian-origin family feeling unsafe in their own home, particularly with a newborn, a toddler, and elderly relatives living with him.
Around 400,000 Indian visitors travelled to Australia in both 2024 and 2025, highlighting the resilience of the market and its growing contribution to the national visitor economy.
During sentencing, Singh’s defence argued for a reduced term, citing his Sikh Indian background and the fact that he had only lived in New Zealand for 11 years.