New Zealand: Three Khalistani separatist sentenced for attempted murder of Indian-origin radio host

At least three suspected Khalistan extremists have been convicted of an attempted murder of Auckland-based popular radio host Harnek Singh, media reports said.

Radio host Harnek Singh. Photo Courtesy: Harnek Singh Instagram page

Sukhpreet Singh, 44, was found guilty of being an accessory, and Sarvjeet Sidhu, 27, pleaded guilty to attempted murder, The Australia Today reported.

One man is an Auckland resident and has been given one of the longest possible prison sentences for the crime, The Australia Today reported quoting NZ Herald.

Harnek Singh, also known as Nekki, suffered over 40 stab wounds when he was ambushed by a group of religious fundamentalists on December 23, 2020.

Harnek Singh had been followed by three cars full of men and was stabbed “within an inch of his life”, the news portal reported.

He locked the door of his vehicle and began pounding on the horn, attracting the attention of neighbours as the attackers bashed in his window.

The police told the court that Singh would have bled to death from his extensive stab wounds.

Harnek Singh required over 350 stitches to his head and upper body and multiple surgeries due to the attack.