A fight breaks out between the two now admitted murders:

The Air India bombing on June 23, 1985, remains one of the deadliest acts of terrorism in Canadian history. This attack, which led to the deaths of 329 innocent people, primarily Canadian citizens, changed the landscape of both national security and the South Asian community in Vancouver, BC. The case became a symbol of justice delayed, mired in legal struggles for decades. Today, this tragic event continues to echo in the lives of those affected, and new developments have reopened old wounds.

The 1985 Air India Bombing

Air India Flight 182, en route from Montreal to London, exploded off the coast of Ireland. A bomb hidden in checked luggage detonated mid-flight, claiming the lives of all 329 passengers aboard, including 268 Canadians. On the same day, another bomb intended for a second Air India flight detonated prematurely at Tokyo’s Narita Airport, killing two baggage handlers. Both bombs originated from Vancouver’s international airport, marking Canada’s darkest moment of aviation terrorism.

The motive for the bombing was rooted in the Sikh separatist movement, specifically retaliation for the 1984 Indian government’s military operation at the Golden Temple, a sacred Sikh site. Talwinder Singh Parmar, a Canadian-based Sikh militant, was identified as the mastermind behind the plot. However, Parmar was killed in India in 1992, leaving the case to unravel in Canada.

The Long Search for Justice

The investigation into the Air India bombing was riddled with challenges. Canadian authorities were criticized for mishandling early leads and failing to take the threat seriously, which allowed key evidence to be compromised. Despite these setbacks, charges were eventually brought against Ripudaman Singh Malik and Ajaib Singh Bagri, both prominent members of Vancouver’s Sikh community.

In 2005, after a trial that lasted almost two years and cost over $130 million, both Malik and Bagri were acquitted due to lack of direct evidence. This verdict devastated the families of the victims, many of whom felt that justice had not been served. The acquittals were particularly painful for Vancouver’s South Asian community, which had become a central player in both the investigation and the subsequent trials.

The Impact on Canada and Vancouver

The Air India bombing reshaped Canadian law enforcement and intelligence agencies. It led to the overhaul of airport security and greater scrutiny of terrorist activities on Canadian soil. The RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) and CSIS (Canadian Security Intelligence Service) were both criticized for not working cohesively, and as a result, new anti-terrorism laws were enacted.

For the South Asian community in Vancouver, the bombing and subsequent investigation brought increased scrutiny and division. Some felt targeted by law enforcement and media portrayal, while others were angry that the community was being associated with extremist elements. The tragedy, however, also fostered a commitment to addressing the radicalization that had led to such violence.

Recent Developments: The Murder of Ripudaman Singh Malik

The acquittal of Ripudaman Singh Malik in 2005 allowed him to continue his life in Vancouver, though controversy and suspicion never fully disappeared. In July 2022, Malik was gunned down outside his business in Surrey, BC, in what seemed like a targeted hit. His murder, nearly two decades after the bombing trial, shocked the community and reopened questions about his involvement in the Air India tragedy.

Two men, Tanner Fox and Jose Lopez, were recently charged with second-degree murder for Malik’s assassination. In a dramatic turn of events, both pled guilty in October 2024, just before a physical altercation broke out between them in the courtroom. The reason for Malik’s murder remains unclear, though police suspect it was financially motivated. The case may be closed for now, but for many, questions still linger about who was ultimately responsible for ordering Malik’s death.

The Air India Memorial at Stanley Park

Vancouver has a direct connection to this tragedy not just through the conspirators but also because of the memorial built to honor the victims of the Air India bombing. Situated in Stanley Park, along the peaceful shores of English Bay, stands a stone monument etched with the names of the 329 lives lost. This memorial was unveiled in 2007 after years of advocacy by the victims’ families.

The Air India memorial is a poignant reminder of the tragedy and serves as a place of reflection for survivors, families, and the broader public. Every year on June 23, a memorial service is held, and people gather to remember those who perished in the bombing. The site stands not only as a tribute to the victims but as a reminder of Canada’s vulnerability to international terrorism and the devastating effects of hate and violence.

The monument’s location in Stanley Park offers a peaceful contrast to the violence that the attack represents. The sight of the calm waters of English Bay juxtaposed with the haunting names on the memorial makes it a powerful place for contemplation.

A Tragedy with Lasting Impact

The Air India bombing has left an indelible mark on Canadian history and has had profound effects on Vancouver. From the tragedy itself to the controversial acquittals, the case continues to haunt those who lived through it. The recent guilty pleas in the murder of Ripudaman Singh Malik remind us that the shadow of this event is far from over, even nearly 40 years later.

As Vancouverites walk through Stanley Park, passing the Air India memorial, they are reminded of the fragility of peace and the importance of vigilance against extremism. Though justice in the Air India case has been elusive, the memory of the victims, honored on the shores of English Bay, endures.

This tragedy has shaped not just Canadian counterterrorism efforts but also the collective memory of Vancouver’s diverse community, ensuring that the lives lost are never forgotten.