Surrey, BC: Sukh Pandher, a federal election candidate, is under pressure to clarify his relationship with Paramraj Umranangal, a senior Indian police officer accused of human rights abuses against Sikhs. A photo of the two sharing a stage has sparked concern, with the British Columbia Gurdwaras Council, Ontario Gurdwaras Committee, Sikh Federation (Canada), and World Sikh Organization of Canada demanding transparency. Paramraj Umranangal is linked to extrajudicial killings and the 2015 Behbal Kalan firing. As the April 28 election nears, these groups asked Sikh Pandher to address any business ties and condemn the abuses, amid growing calls for accountability in Canada’s Sikh community.

Full Text of Letter written by British Columbia Gurdwaras Council, Ontario Gurdwaras Committee, Sikh Federation (Canada), and World Sikh Organization of Canada reads as follows:-

5 Vaisakh, Nanakshahi 557 | April 17, 2025 CE

Sukh Pandher
#206, 16055 Fraser Hwy
Surrey BC
V4N 0G3

Dear Mr. Pandher:

RE: Urgent Request for Public Clarification Regarding Ties to Paramraj Umranangal

We are writing to you on behalf of concerned members of the Sikh community in Surreya nd across Canada. Recent public allegations and images have raised serious questions regarding your relationship with Paramraj Umranangal, a senior Indian police officer who stands accused of grave human rights violations against Sikhs in Punjab.

An undated photo circulating online shows you and Mr. Umranangal sharing a public stage and engaging in what appears to be a lighthearted exchange at an event in India. Since then, public allegations have emerged that you may also have personal or business ties with him. This has generated significant concern among Sikh constituents, particularly in light of Mr. Umranangal’s deeply troubling record.

Human rights organizations, including the Punjab Human Rights Organization and the Majha Ex-Servicemen Human Rights Front, have documented Mr. Umranangal’s involvement in a campaign of extrajudicial killings, torture, and enforced disappearances targeting Sikh youth during the 1990s.

One such case is the 1994 extrajudicial killing of Bhai Sukhpal Singh Kala Afghana, who was reportedly killed by Umranangal in a bounty-hunting operation that involved falsifying Sukhpal Singh’s identity to claim a cash reward used against Sikh guerrillas. Despite such allegations of human rights violations and crimes against humanity, Mr. Umranangal continued to rise through the ranks of the Indian Police Service and was showered with gallantry awards.

More recently, he was implicated in the 2015 Behbal Kalan police firing, where he ordered forces to open fire on unarmed Sikh protesters. Two Sikh youth were killed, and many more injured while peacefully protesting the desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Given this context, your apparent proximity to Mr. Umranangal raises deeply troubling questions. While we acknowledge that political candidates are often subject to public scrutiny, these concerns are not about guilt by association—they are about transparency, accountability, and your commitment to human rights.

We respectfully request that you publicly clarify the following:

1. 1. Why did you appear on a public stage with an individual credibly accused of
      gross human rights abuses against the Sikh community?
   2. Do you, or have you ever had, any direct or indirect business or financial ties with
      Mr. Paramraj Umranangal?
   3. Do you unequivocally condemn the torture, enforced disappearances, and
      extrajudicial killings inflicted on the Sikh community by the Government of India?

As India’s foreign interference, transnational repression, and disinformation campaigns continue to affect our communities here in Canada, it is more important than ever that federal candidates are forthcoming about their associations and clear in their stance on these issues.

This is not a partisan matter—it is a matter of principle. As we approach the federal election on April 28, Sikh voters have the right to make informed decisions about who will stand against human rights abuses and transnational repression, and who will stand silent.

We urge you to respond publicly and unequivocally as early as possible.

Sincerely,

British Columbia Gurdwaras Council
Ontario Gurdwaras Committee
Sikh Federation (Canada)
World Sikh Organization of Canada

cc: Honourable Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Official Opposition