Indian Grandfather Harasses Teens in Canada, Faces Deportation After Visiting Family

Jagjit Singh, a 51-year-old man from India, has been convicted of criminal harassment in Canada. He came to the country on a temporary visa to visit his newborn grandchild. However, his visit took a troubling turn when he allegedly harassed two teenage girls outside a high school.

Incident Overview

Singh entered Canada in July on a six-month temporary visa. Reports indicate that he frequently visited a smoking area at a local high school. His interactions with the girls raised serious concerns, as he attempted to befriend them despite a significant language barrier.

Harassment Complaints

• The girls reported that Singh approached them for photographs.
• Although he took one photo with them, he then gestured for another and put his arm around one of the girls.
• This led to an immediate reaction, prompting the girl to push his arm away.

On September 16, Singh was arrested and faced multiple charges, including sexual interference and sexual assault. He was granted bail shortly after but found himself in custody again due to a new complaint on the same day.

Court Proceedings

In court, Singh pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual interference but admitted guilt to harassment. The presiding judge, Krista Lynn Leszczynski, made it clear that such behavior was unacceptable. She emphasized, “You had no business attending at the property of (that) high school. This type of conduct will not be tolerated.”

Consequences of Actions

Singh’s lawyer expressed that the experience in jail was shocking for him. Although Singh held a ticket to return to India on December 30, the judge ordered his deportation and a lifetime ban on re-entry into Canada.

Victims of Singh’s harassment expressed their dismay. One girl noted the impact of his actions on her perception of older men, particularly those from his culture. Another girl voiced her discomfort about what Singh intended to do with the pictures he took.

This case highlights the serious repercussions of harassment and the importance of safeguarding students within school environments.