I Interviewed the Canadian Sikh Once Sentenced to Life for a Bomb Plot: Babbar Khalsa’s Santokh Singh Khela

Mr. Khela once held the distinction of being the first Canadian of Sikh faith to be sentenced for terrorism-related crimes in 1987. 

After serving six years, his conviction was overturned, Canada issued an apology, and he was released. Since the target of the alleged conspiracy was an Air India flight departing from a U.S. airport—and with the FBI leading the operation that foiled the plot—questions remain as to why he was not extradited and tried in the United States. Had he been tried there, would he be free today?

During the Canadian trial, Mr. Khela admitted his ties with Babbar Khalsa (a Sikh Khalistani terrorist organization responsible for high-profile assassinations and bombings). Today, he does not deny this involvement and continues to praise Babbar Khalsa's record. However, he seems to dispute his daughter’s claim that he holds a leadership role within the organization, stating instead that he is merely a servant of the cause while openly wearing its insignia.

Santokh Singh Khela is well respected among Khalistani Sikhs today, and he gave a speech at last week's Khalsa Day Parade in Surrey, B.C., praising Babbar Khalsa’s record. The event, which drew half a million attendees, was also attended by Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, and several other MPs, including members of the Liberal Party.

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