NEW DELHI: Mystery shrouds a fire reported at a house in Oakville, Canada, on Thursday night that caused extensive damage to multiple high-end sports cars and an estimated loss exceeding $500,000.
The residents of the affected house, situated adjacent to the residence of the pro-Khalistan terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, chief of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) and designated by India as a terrorist, were safely evacuated. Paramedics provided medical assistance to two individuals near the property for smoke inhalation, as reported by local media.
A few days ago Pannun had issued threats against Hindu groups in the US, specifically targeting a Sept 22 event at the Nassau Coliseum that is to feature prime minister Narendra Modi. In a two-minute video, Pannun declared, "Narendra Modi is the target."Pannun, a Canadian lawyer residing in Oakville, Toronto, who primarily practises in the US, and his house remained unscathed. Local authorities investigating the cause of the blaze are exploring all possible angles, including the possibility that the wrong house was targeted.
In anticipation of PM Modi's visit to the US, Pannun had announced plans to lobby the US govt to scrutinise, investigate, and prosecute every organisation and individual who participated in hosting and honouring Modi on US soil.
Raj Shekhar Jha is an assistant editor with The Times of India, D...
Read MoreRaj Shekhar Jha is an assistant editor with The Times of India, Delhi. He has been writing on internal security and crime for TOI since 2011.
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