VANCOUVER – The passport of an Indo-Canadian woman from Maple Ridge, who is facing extradition to India in her daughter’s “honour killing”, proves she was never in the South Asian country to utter death threats alleged by the Crown, B.C. Supreme Court heard Tuesday.
Malkit Kaur Sidhu’s daughter Jaswinder “Jassi” Sidhu, 25, was slain in June 2000 while trying to hide from her family, who disapproved of her marriage to rickshaw driver Mithu, reported 24 Hours newspaper.
Seven people in India have been convicted of conspiracy to commit murder in her death, and both Malkit and Jaswinder’s uncle, Surjit Singh Badesha, face extradition to India, where they could face similar charges.
Jassi’s husband was severely beaten, but survived the attack that led to his wife’s death. At issue in court was whether Malkit was in India in spring 2000, when the Crown alleges she made death threats to Mithu and his family.
Malkit’s lawyer David Crossin told court his client’s Canadian passport — which he wants to introduce as evidence — shows she left India and never returned after May 1999. Crossin said that fact is supported by an affidavit from Malkit’s son, who said he had interacted with his mother on a “daily basis” during the time.
“She wasn’t there,” Crossin said outside court.
The question that remains is whether Sidhu has an Indian passport, the court heard. Justice Gregory Fitch has now tasked the Crown to help contact Indian officials to determine whether Malkit was in the country at the time with alternate travel documentation.
Crown lawyer Deborah Strachan expects to oppose the passport “alibi” and said outside court an extradition hearing doesn’t have to consider that evidence to make a decision.
Courtesy 24 Hours
