A charge against the husband of a woman found clinging to life in a South Surrey home Sunday has been upgraded to attempted murder.
The change regarding Baldev Singh Kalsi was announced by the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team on Twitter at about 4 p.m. Tuesday, the same day it was sworn in Surrey Provincial Court.
The 66-year-old – who is president of the Gurdwara Sahib Brookside temple – was arrested Sunday at a home in the 19400-block of 32 Avenue, where police found his wife in severe medical distress. She was airlifted to hospital and placed on life support.
The next afternoon, IHIT announced that a charge of aggravated assault was approved against Kalsi.
“This tragic incident is domestic related and not a random attack. The victim remains in hospital on life support and in critical condition. Her family has been notified,” Staff Sgt. Jennifer Pound said Monday.
Surinder Jabal, spokesman for the temple – at 8365 140 St. – confirmed Kalsi is the current president.
Jabal told Peace Arch News Monday that Kalsi is "very respected in the community" and that news of his arrest "was a surprise."
"We've been working together to build this society for the last 20 years," he said.
"I think everybody is disappointed to hear this news. It's very puzzling."
Jabal said Kalsi's son told him his mother is "not doing so good."
Kalsi is set to appear in court Wednesday.