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Identity confirmed of body found in torched vehicle in Abbotsford

Sukhdev Dhaliwal, 48, had rented the Chevy Tahoe before his death last month
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The body of Sukhdev Dhaliwal was found Nov. 15 in a torched vehicle on Bates Road in Abbotsford.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has confirmed that the body found in a torched vehicle last month in Abbotsford is that of Sukhdev Dhaliwal.

IHIT stated in a press release issued on Nov. 22 that Dhaliwal, 48, was the last person to have rented the black Chevy Tahoe that was found burning at 10:30 p.m. on Nov. 15 in the 5300 block of Bates Road.

A body was found inside the vehicle, but investigators could not definitively say that it was Dhaliwal’s until an autopsy and DNA verification were complete.

Sgt. Frank Jang of IHIT told the Abbotsford News on Tuesday that Dhaliwal, who was an Abbotsford resident, has now been confirmed as the deceased.

No details have been released about Dhaliwal, but he does not have a criminal record, according to the provincial court database.

Jang confirmed that Dhaliwal is not known to police, and investigators have not connected him to gangs.

So far this year, this is Abbotsford’s only homicide.

Police said witnesses reported seeing a dark-coloured SUV leaving the scene of the fire towards Mission.

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Vikki Hopes

About the Author: Vikki Hopes

I have been a journalist for almost 40 years, and have been at the Abbotsford News since 1991.
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