Canada: Indian Army Veteran Humiliated at Vancouver Airport, Declared ‘Security Threat’ and Denied Entry to Canada
Babushahi Bureau
Vancouver / Chandigarah, September 25, 2025:
The alleged humiliation and detention of Gurjeet Singh, a retired Hawaldar of the Indian Army’s Assam Rifles, by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has triggered outrage and raised concerns of a potential diplomatic flashpoint between India and Canada.
Singh, who served 24 years in the Assam Rifles with an unblemished record, had travelled to Vancouver on September 17, 2025, with a valid Canadian visitor visa to meet his son and extended family. Instead, he was detained at the airport, labelled a “national security threat,” and denied entry as a result he returned to India on Sept 24, 2025
Allegations Against CBSA
According to the complaint:
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Singh was detained by CBSA officers Mark Simpson and D’Costa, who accused the Assam Rifles of being a “terrorist group.”
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He was allegedly denied food, water, and family contact, and subjected to repeated psychological pressure to admit false crimes.
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Despite his family offering a CAD 10,000 bond, Singh was declared a security risk.
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CBSA officials allegedly pressured him to identify as a “Junior Commissioned Officer” instead of his actual rank of Havaldar, which misrepresented his true rank and was seen as an insult to his dignity and to the Indian Army.
At a hearing attended by Judge Trend Cook, CBSA Officer Ryan Friesen, and Translator Parmeet Sandhar, the security label was upheld.
Diplomatic Reaction
Diplomatic sources confirm that the Indian High Commission in Vancouver has formally raised the issue, calling it “an unacceptable insult to the Indian Army and its veterans.”
Demands Raised
The incident has sparked calls for:
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A formal apology from the Canadian government to Gurjeet Singh and the Indian Army.
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An independent investigation into CBSA’s conduct.
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A guarantee of fair treatment for Indian Army veterans at Canadian borders.
Outcome
Singh was given two choices:
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Fight CBSA in detention, or
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Return to India.
On September 22, 2025, he opted for deportation, refusing to compromise the honour of his regiment by accepting false allegations.
Observers warn that unless addressed promptly, the matter could escalate into a major diplomatic standoff between India and Canada.
Gurjit Singh went to join his 20 years ols son's birthday celebrations to held on September 22, 2025 at Edmonton where he is residing with his uncle who is Canadian citizen.