Nancy Grewal, a Windsor-based personal support worker and outspoken critic of Khalistan extremism, was stabbed to death at a home in LaSalle, Ont., in what police are investigating as a targeted killing.
Grewal, 45, had publicly expressed fears for her safety days before her death, citing threats linked to her social media activity opposing the Sikh separatist movement. The incident has sparked international attention and raised concerns about extremist violence reaching Canadian communities.
“Ms. Grewal’s murder is being investigated as an intentional act against her,” LaSalle police said, emphasizing they are confident this was not a random attack.
A life marked by activism and threats
Less than a week before she was killed, Grewal spoke openly to CBC News about the risks she faced due to her criticism of Khalistan extremism. She described receiving death threats and surviving an arson attack on her Windsor home in November 2025.
“I don’t feel safe here,” Grewal told CBC. “The guys attack on my house.” Security camera footage shared with CBC showed a man setting fire to her front deck, though the blaze was quickly extinguished by wet weather.
Grewal, who immigrated to Canada from India in 2018, was a vocal social media influencer condemning violence linked to factions within the Sikh separatist movement, a cause that has a long history of political tension and violence, including the 1985 Air India bombing.
Investigation unfolds with broader implications
LaSalle police have confirmed the stabbing occurred shortly before 9:30 p.m. at a residence on Todd Lane where Grewal was working as a personal support worker. Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have since joined the investigation, assisting local police in pursuing leads.
As of Friday morning, no suspects have been publicly identified or arrested. Police have declined to comment on possible motives, but they reiterated the belief that Grewal was specifically targeted.
The involvement of extremist groups is being considered, reflecting concerns about the transnational reach of political conflicts within immigrant communities in Canada.
The Tribune, an Indian newspaper, reported that social media accounts linked to both pro-Khalistan supporters and rival Punjab-based gangs have posted conflicting claims of responsibility for Grewal’s death, each seeking to exploit the tragedy for their own narratives.
The paper noted that some posts accused Grewal of “speaking wrongly” against Khalistan and suggested her death was retribution by Sikh Panth members. Others came from alleged gangster groups based in Canada taking credit for the killing.
The complexity of these claims underscores the challenges Canadian law enforcement faces in addressing violence linked to overseas political tensions.
Canada’s role in addressing extremism in immigrant communities
Canada has a significant Sikh diaspora, with many Canadians tracing their roots to Punjab, India. While the vast majority are peaceful, some factions have been associated with extremism and violence abroad.
Experts say incidents like Grewal’s murder highlight the importance of supporting community safety and addressing political tensions that travel with diasporas.
LaSalle police and the OPP have committed to a thorough investigation. Constable Alaina Atkins of LaSalle police said the OPP canine unit helped early in the probe, but the RCMP is not involved at this time.
A spokesperson for the minister of public safety said the government is aware of the case and continues to monitor threats linked to extremist activity within Canada.
The spokesperson added, “Ensuring the safety of all Canadians, including vulnerable workers and immigrant communities, remains a priority for law enforcement and public safety officials.”
The murder has prompted calls from unions representing personal support workers for increased protections for employees working alone in private homes.
The case also raises questions about how Canada addresses hate and extremist violence that can cross international boundaries and impact local communities.
Michelle Maluske, a reporter for CTV Windsor, noted the growing concern among Canadians about the safety of social media influencers and activists who speak out against extremist views.
Maluske’s report highlights the complexities investigators face when crimes have potential international political dimensions.
The criticism was immediate, with prominent voices weighing in:
