SURREY RCMP told The VOICE on Monday that their investigators are ensuring that Simranpreet Dhillon, Sukhraj Chahal and Gurjinder Sodha, who have been charged in violent sexual assaults against prostitutes, are abiding by their release conditions.
Cpl. Bert Paquet told this newspaper that all three men were released by the courts on an extensive list of conditions and so far they have been abiding by their release conditions.
Police are trying to track down any other prostitute who may also have been a victim. The charges date back to 2012. The three were charged with a total of 17 criminal offences on April 11 after a lengthy and complex investigation.
Paquet said that one of the two victims suffered more significant injuries than the other, but both were probably close to a full physical recovery now.
The charges:
* Dhillon: two counts each of sexual assault with weapon, possession of weapon for dangerous purpose / commit offence, utter threats of death / bodily harm, unlawful confinement and robbery; and aggravated sexual assault.
* Chahal: sexual assault with weapon, unlawful confinement, and robbery.
* Sodha: sexual assault with weapon, unlawful confinement, and robbery.
On August 12, 2012, a female engaged in a high risk activity as a sex trade worker was picked up by two strangers in the area of King George Boulevard and 91st Avenue. She was driven to a secluded area of Colebrook Road where she was violently sexually and physically assaulted. The suspects charged as a result of these offenses are Dhillon and Chahal.
On October 18, 2012, a second sex trade worker was picked up by two strangers in the area of King George Boulevard and 105th Avenue. She was driven to a secluded area in the 12800 block of Colebrook Road where she was also violently sexually and physically assaulted. The victim suffered serious but non-life threatening injuries and was taken to local area hospital where she endured a lengthy recovery.
Dhillon and Sodha have been charged for these offences.
Surrey RCMP is appealing for potential victims or witnesses to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP Child Abuse and Sexual Offence (CASO) Unit at 604-599-0502 or Crime Stoppers, if they wish to remain anonymous, at 1-800-222-TIPS.