Ripudaman Singh Malik, the high profile Canadian Sikh businessman acquitted in Air India bombing, was shot dead in broad daylight around 9 in morning at 8236 128 Street, Surrey, BC, outside his work place.
The news of his shooting spread like a wildfire in Surrey even before the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) confirmed his identity officially later during the day.
On July 14, 2022 at 9:26 a.m., the Surrey RCMP responded to a report of a shooting at 8236 128 Street, Surrey, BC. Surrey RCMP first responders attended the location and found the male victim, identified as 75 year-old Ripudaman Singh Malik, having sustained fatal injuries, IHIT said in a release.
A burned vehicle was located nearby in the area of 82 Avenue and 122a Street, Surrey, which is being held by investigators and is believed to be associated.
Various theories around his murder started circulating on social media outlets including his letter of appreciation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, IHIT is requesting everyone not to speculate on theories and motive behind his murder since the investigation is in very early stage. “We are aware of Mr. Malik’s background, though at this time we are still working to determine the motive. We can confirm that the shooting appears to be targeted and there is not believed to be any further risk to the public,” said Sergeant Timothy Pierotti of IHIT.
Having occurred in a residential area, Pierotti said, “we are confident that witnesses exist that could help us further this investigation. We urge them to come forward immediately and without delay.”
The police have also released pictures of the suspect vehicle. IHIT is asking that any witnesses or anyone traveling in the 8200 block of 128 Street, Surrey as well as the area of 122 Street and 82 Avenue between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. with dash cameras or who has any information regarding the homicide of Mr. Malik is asked to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at [email protected].
A man who courted controversies during his life time was well known amongst Punjabi Sikh community of the Lower Mainland. If on one hand he was identified as a businessman and a philanthropist who headed Khalsa Credit Union and Khalsa Schools, on the other hand, internationally and locally he was also known as someone accused of Air India Flight bombing.
In 2000, Malik and Ajaib Singh Bagri were charged with 329 counts of first-degree murder in connection with a suitcase bomb going off on an Air India jet over the coast of Ireland on June 23, 1985. However, in March 2005, the two men were acquitted after a lengthy trial when the judge questioned the credibility of several Crown witnesses.
His son, however, after his father’s death appeared in various media interviews and took to social media to appeal the public for not associating his father’s life with the bombing. Jaspreet Malik confirmed the death in a statement on social media, saying his father came to Canada in 1972 and was committed to his community and family, including his wife, five children and eight grandchildren.
He further said, “My father’s commitment was to his community and his family, and his goal was to see the immigrant Sikh community thrive through education and financial security. His legacy lives on through Khalsa Credit Union and Khalsa School.”
“The media will always refer to him as someone charged with the Air India bombing,” Malik said. “The media and RCMP never seemed to accept the court’s decision and I pray today’s tragedy is not related.”
Malik’s son is hoping that this tragedy is not related to Air India bombing trial, however various theories are circulating and people are speculating on the motive behind his murder.
“I just think there’s so many potential motives,” said retired RCMP deputy commissioner Gary Bass in response to Malik’s killing. He was in charge of the terrorism investigation into the 1985 Air India bombing.
“I’m not privy to the ongoing investigations on Malik right now, but I can say that from years when I was that he was involved in a number of activities that might bring him into conflict with other people,” he was quoted as saying by the Vancouver Sun newspaper.
According to media reports, he had also courted recent controversy for his links to printing the Sikh holy book — the Guru Granth Sahib — outside of India in contravention of a religious edict.
Also some media outlets reported that Malik in January in a letter to Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, had expressed his “heartfelt gratitude for the unprecedented positive steps taken by yourself to redress long-reading Sikh demands and grievances.” The existence of Malik’s letter was revealed in the Hindustan Times.
After Malik’s acquittal, he resumed his leadership roles at the Khalsa Credit Union and Satnam Education Society which operates several Khalsa schools.
Malik may have moved on his life, but Kaash Heed, former Vancouver Cop, said that people who lost their loved ones in Air India bombing never moved on with their lives.
And the violent death of Ripudaman Singh Malik, won’t bring closure to the families of the attack’s victims, according to Heed.
Heed who is a strong supporter of preventing gun violence in Lower Mainland, said, “Anytime someone gets killed in such violent nature we get upset. We were all very upset in 1985 when 300 passengers were killed.”
He said, “Although there was lot of hostility against him, it is sad that Mr Malik was killed this way. There is nothing but sadness around.”
“The families who lost loved ones, I don’t think they are rejoicing. It has brought back those deep wounds. It took 20 years before we could bring Mr Bagri and Malik in front of the court, it was the longest and one of the costliest trials we had in Canada. Then they were acquitted, and they went on with their lives however people who had lost their loved ones did not go on with their lives. There no celebration even now.”
Heed said he his heart goes out for relatives of Air India victims who would not have wanted the accountability to be brought this way.
