In a major legal decision, a hitman has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Ripudaman Singh Malik. Malik, who was acquitted in 2005 of involvement in the 1985 Air India Flight 182 bombing, was shot and killed in Surrey, British Columbia, on July 14, 2022. Authorities have described his killing as a targeted attack.
Remembering the 1985 Air India Bombing
The Air India bombing remains one of the deadliest aviation-related terrorist attacks in history, claiming 329 lives, most of them Canadian citizens of Indian origin. The attack was allegedly carried out by Sikh extremists in response to the Indian government’s actions against Sikh separatists in the 1980s. Decades later, the pain of that tragedy continues to echo.
Malik’s Story: Accusation and Acquittal
Malik, along with co-accused Ajaib Singh Bagri, faced charges in the bombing case but was acquitted in 2005 due to lack of evidence. Despite being legally cleared, he remained a divisive figure, and his murder has once again brought past events and unresolved tensions back into the spotlight.
The Hitman’s Fate
Authorities have confirmed that the hitman responsible for Malik’s murder has been sentenced to life in prison, with no possibility of parole for a significant period. Investigators believe the assassination was meticulously planned, possibly linked to lingering conflicts from the past.
Looking Ahead
This case highlights how the wounds of past tragedies can persist for generations, sometimes leading to further acts of violence. It also reinforces the importance of justice and accountability in preventing such crimes in the future. As society continues to reckon with the impact of historical events, cases like this remind us of the need for healing, understanding, and the pursuit of lasting peace.
Author: Hassan Ahmad
