RCMP investigation into 1985 Air India bombing faces potential scale-back

Victims' families are protesting a reported plan by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to reduce the task force investigating the 1985 Air India Flight 182 bombing. The investigation, which looks into the explosion that killed 329 people, may be moved to an “inactive” status due to a reported lack of new leads.

Following a September 12 meeting in Toronto, Sanjay Lazar, chairman of the Kanishka Foundation, expressed opposition to the move. Lazar has written to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as well as attorneys general in both nations, urging the government to maintain the investigation and seek those responsible.

The 1985 bombing of the Kanishka aircraft over the Atlantic Ocean remains the deadliest terrorist attack in Canadian history. The victims included 268 Canadian citizens and 24 Indian citizens. Families have expressed concerns regarding potential discrimination and have indicated they may pursue legal steps under Canadian law if the investigation is wound down.