Former Ramgarhia Sikh Temple President Baldev Singh Kalsi Nearly Kills Wife, Then Gets Beaten Up In Custody And Sent To Hospital, Then Gets Kicked Out Of His Temple President Post And Justice Is Still To Be Served!
Baldev Singh Kalsi, 66, leader of the Gurdwara Sahib Brookside, was taken into police custody after his wife, Narinder Kaur Kalsi, was found in severe medical distress at their home in South Surrey on Sunday. She remains in hospital, on life support.
SURREY – Former Ramgarhia Sikh temple president Baldev Singh Kalsi saw his status in his community tumble to the ditch after he was accused of severely beating up his elderly wife, which now has been upgraded to attempted murder, then he was beaten up while in custody and had to be taken to hospital and then his Surrey-based Brookside Temple kicked him out as President. All this and justice still has to be served when his case goes to trial.
Kalsi, 66, leader of the Gurdwara Sahib Brookside, was taken into police custody after his wife, Narinder Kaur Kalsi, was found in severe medical distress at their home in South Surrey on Sunday. She remains in hospital, on life support.
Kalsi had been charged with aggravated assault on Monday, but the charges were upgraded to attempted murder Tuesday.
Following his arrest, Cpl. Bert Paquet said Baldev Kalsi was attacked on Tuesday night around 8.30 p.m. PT, while at pretrial facilities in Surrey.
“Our officers attended to the facility as well as a local hospital where Kalsi was transported,” said Paquet. “Kalsi suffered facial injuries, however he is expected to make a full recovery.”
Paquet says Serious Crimes is investigating the assault and a 42-year-old man has been identified as a suspect. The assault does not appear to be linked to the ongoing homicide investigation.
Meanwhile, the World Sikh Organization of Canada has issued a “call to action”, offering access to a network of psychologists and counsellors free of charge.
In a press release, Jasbir Kaur Randhawa, WSO vice president for B.C., said the organization is shocked and saddened by the tragic assault against Narinder Kaur Kalsi.
“The entire community is shocked by this incident. Violence against women is a serious problem that needs to be addressed by the South Asian community, including Sikhs,” said Randhawa.
“Early intervention and role modelling are key to making a difference. The WSO has been involved in several initiatives to put violence against women on the agenda in the community and a lot more work needs to be done.”
According to the press release, the Brookside Gurdwara participated in a WSO campaign against violence to women last year, by providing baked goods and care packages to residents in local women’s shelters.
WSO president Dr. Amrtpal Singh Shergill says statements and expressions of regret are not enough.
“We must continue to do more to raise awareness about violence against women and ensure adequate resources and supports exist for our community.
“Our thoughts are with Narinder Kaur Kalsi and we pray that she makes a full recovery.”
On Thursday, Baldev Kalsi was removed as president of the Brookside temple. The Canadian Ramgarhia Society, which operates the Gurdwara Sahib Brookside, made the decision after three days of pondering Kalsi’s fate and making the decision after a barrage of negative media coverage.
Effective immediately, the society’s board has appointed Sardul Singh Rehal as president.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that took place over the past weekend,” the society said in a release. “The management of Gurdwara Sahib Brookside categorically condemns all kinds of violence. These are difficult moments for the society.”
A two-day prayer is planned at the temple, beginning on July 18 at 8 a.m. and ending on July 20 at 8 a.m, for Kalsi’s wife Narinder. The temple is located at 8365 140th St. in Surrey.
RCMP were called to the Kalsi home in the 19400-block of 32nd Avenue in Surrey around noon on Sunday.
Upon attendance, police located Kalsi’s wife who had sustained life-threatening injuries. She was then airlifted to a hospital by BC Ambulance Service.
“The crimes Mr. Kalsi is being accused are horrific and should be absolutely shunned by society. As a leader, Mr. Kalsi should have acted in a much more responsible manner, and given his significant impact in our community, he should be aware of his stature as a role model,” said Charan Gill, president of the Progressive Intercultural Community Society (PICS).
“The actions that Mr. Kalsi takes do not simply affect him personally – they impact our entire community and the individuals that look up to him. At PICS Society and other agencies, there are programs in place to help those affected by domestic abuse and violence. As a community, we’re working hard to fight against domestic abuse and address the root causes, however incidents like these only make moving forward more difficult.”
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