TORONTO: An Indian-origin social media influencer was stabbed to death at her residence in Canada’s Ontario province late Tuesday night, prompting a homicide investigation and sending shockwaves through the Punjabi diaspora in North America.
According to the LaSalle Police Service, 45-year-old Nancy Grewal was attacked at her home in the town of LaSalle, near Windsor, on the night of March 3. Emergency responders were called to the house following reports of a stabbing. When officers arrived, they found Grewal with severe stab injuries.
She was rushed to hospital by emergency medical services but succumbed to her wounds shortly afterward. Police confirmed that the death is being treated as a homicide and that investigators are working to identify the assailant.
Investigators cordoned off the residential area for several hours as forensic teams combed the property and nearby surroundings for evidence. Police sources said evidence markers were placed along a walkway and near the entrance to the house, indicating a struggle may have occurred near the doorway.
Authorities also searched a nearby wooded area as part of the investigation. As of now, police have not publicly identified a suspect or disclosed a possible motive.
Officials have appealed to residents in the neighborhood to come forward with any information, including home surveillance or dash-camera footage that may help reconstruct the events leading up to the attack.
Nancy Grewal was originally from Punjab and had moved to Canada several years ago, where she became active on social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.
She built a modest but vocal following through videos and posts commenting on political and social developments related to Punjab, the Sikh diaspora and India-Canada relations. Her posts often triggered intense debates among supporters and critics online.
Friends and followers described her as outspoken and unafraid to express her views on controversial issues affecting the Sikh community abroad.
Family members in Punjab have claimed that Grewal had previously received threats because of her social media posts.
Some of her videos reportedly criticised pro-Khalistan activists and organisations. In particular, she had spoken against the activities of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a prominent pro-Khalistan activist based in North America.
The LaSalle Police Service said detectives are continuing to collect evidence and interview witnesses. Investigators have also urged anyone with information about the incident to contact the police or Crime Stoppers.