Canada deports 1984 IA hijacker to India

Toronto, Jan 27: Canada has deported the hijacker of Indian Airlines, Parminder Singh Saini to India on Tuesday, Jan 26.

46-year-old Saini, who was the leader of the five Sikh hijackers of the Indian Airlines from Srinagar to Delhi on July 6, 1984 had illegal entered Canada in 1995 under the name of Balbir Singh after serving 10 years in prison In Pakistan.

He was assisted in obtaining a fake Afghan passport by the Pakistanis. Saini said that he had hidden his identity fearing deportation to India.

During his stay in Canada he had earned a BA and a law degree and had appealed to the Law Society of Upper Canada to allow him to practice law in the country in 2009.

However, his plea was rejected on account of his criminal past, including lying about his identity.

In his plea, Saini said that he regretted his past and wish to start a new life in the country.

Saini was sentenced to death by the Lahore court in connection with the hijacking after they surrendered to the Pakistan authorities.

His sentenced was later reduced to life imprisonment, of which he had served ten years in prison.

"I had no legitimate right to do that. It's not legal," he said with reference to the hijacking.

Saini was involved with brother's immigration consultancy firm, named Singh and Associates situated in Mississauga on the outskirts of Toronto.

OneIndia News