Two Men Plead Guilty to Killing Ripudaman Singh Malik, Acquitted in 1985 Air India Bombings

In a dramatic turn of events, two hitmen have pleaded guilty to the second-degree murder of Ripudaman Singh Malik, a businessman previously acquitted in connection with the 1985 Air India bombing. The guilty pleas came just before the start of their first-degree murder trial, marking a major development in the high-profile case.

Tanner Fox and Jose Lopez admitted to killing Malik outside his business in Surrey, British Columbia, in July 2022. The two men entered their pleas in the British Columbia Supreme Court, avoiding the potential for a prolonged trial. As a result of their second-degree murder convictions, both men are facing life sentences, with the primary question now revolving around how long they must serve before becoming eligible for parole.

However, the courtroom drama didn’t end with their guilty pleas. Tensions between Fox and Lopez erupted into a violent altercation in the courtroom in New Westminster. According to the Vancouver Sun, the two men began “punching and clawing at each other” before court sheriffs intervened, restraining the pair and removing them from the courtroom. The brawl prompted officials to clear the public gallery, adding an unexpected layer of chaos to the legal proceedings.

The case is scheduled to return to court on October 31, when a sentencing hearing will be held to determine parole eligibility. Under Canadian law, second-degree murder carries an automatic life sentence, but the court will decide how long Fox and Lopez must serve before applying for parole.

Malik was shot multiple times while sitting in his car outside his family business. His assassination sent shockwaves through the community, as Malik was acquitted in 2005 of involvement in one of Canada’s deadliest terrorist attacks.

On June 23, 1985, Air India Flight 182, en route from Canada to India, exploded off the coast of Ireland, killing all 329 people on board—most of whom were Canadian citizens. On the same day, another bomb intended for a connecting Air India flight exploded prematurely in Japan, killing two baggage handlers.

Despite being charged with mass murder and conspiracy in relation to the bombings, Malik and his co-accused, Ajaib Singh Bagri, were acquitted after a lengthy trial. Malik’s acquittal allowed him to return to his life as a businessman in British Columbia, though he continued to face scrutiny and controversy.