Updated:

May 24, 2007:

• Daljit Singh Sandhu is still missing
• Still a mystery:
  • Possibility that he reached shore or even possibly exited the vehicle before it landed in the water.

Two NRIs Charged In Vanderhoof Incident, One Youth missing

Vancouver, May 18, 2007
Sohan Sahota

NRI Pritpal Singh Virk, 18, of Richmond and Aaron Singh Takhar, 22, of Surrey appeared in a Prince George court on May 17 for charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act in connection with Vanderhoof Incident. These two youths were charged after 170 clone marijuana plants were discovered in a Ford SUV that went into the Nechako River (50 miles west of Prince George) after it sped around a road block in that community.

Police say Sandhu and Virk were in a rented Ford SUV , along with another vehicle - a Mercedes-Benz - that was driven by Aaron Singh Takhar.

Police said the vehicles had been pulled over around 3:30 a.m. Saturday morning for being in the wrong lane of traffic. RCMP got out of their car and were radioing in for licence plate information when the SUV, driven by Daljit Sandhu made U-turn and took off, according to Police

Police saw the SUV drive down a side street. They followed it but lost track of it. When they reached the end of the side street, they saw a plume of dust. When they stopped and got out, they heard cries for help, and managed to locate Virk and pull him from the water. He was treated for hypothermia.

According to reports, Daljit Sandhu was last seen on top of the vehicle as it floated downstream. Police are also considering under the possibility that he reached shore or even possibly exited the vehicle before it landed in the water. When police executed a search warrant on the vehicle it was discovered that Sandhu was not inside but the marijuana allegedly was.

After initial difficulties locating the vehicle in the deep, swift Nechako water, the vehicle was successfully pulled from the river Sunday about 9 p.m. by search and rescue personnel.

Surrey’s Aaron Singh Takhar, 22, was allegedly driving the Mercedes and had rented the SUV in Surrey, which allegedly was transporting the plants. Takhar made headlines locally last year when he became embroiled in legal battle over the results of Kwantlen University Students’ Association elections. He hasn’t had political affiliations with Kwantlen since that time.

Sandhu's sister, Jasmine Sandhu said police aren't doing enough to help as family members search near the river where they believe her brother pulled himself out of the water. "Nothing is being done," said Jasmine Sandhu. "We go everywhere, we talk to everyone, and we get doors slammed in our face."

Const. Annie Linteau said Sandhu is free to criticize but pointed out that at least 20 people searched the area right after the SUV went into the river.