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A newly launched café in Canada owned by renowned Indian comedian Kapil Sharma was targeted in a gunfire attack early Thursday morning, sparking concerns about rising threats and extortion in the South Asian community.
8 Shots Fired at ‘Kap’s Café’
Located in Surrey, British Columbia, Kap’s Café was struck by at least eight bullets around 1:50 a.m. on July 10, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The café, situated at 8400 block of 120 Street, suffered property damage, though no injuries were reported.
“Shots were fired towards the business, damaging the property, while staff members were still present inside,” said Surrey Police in an official statement.
The Surrey Police Frontline Investigative Support (FLIS) team is leading the investigation. Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton stated that no motive has been officially determined, and no suspects have been identified so far.
Khalistani Operative Claims Responsibility
Hours after the attack, Harjit Singh Laddi, an alleged operative of the banned terror group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), claimed responsibility in a social media post. He was joined by another figure, Toofan Singh, citing anger over alleged remarks made by Kapil Sharma about the Nihang community.
Laddi is listed among India’s most wanted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Kapil Sharma had launched Kap’s Café just last weekend along with his wife, Ginni Chatrath.
Rising Threats to South Asian Businesses
This attack follows a troubling pattern of extortion-related violence in the South Asian business community in British Columbia.
Earlier this month, two individuals were charged with gun and arson offences in connection with extortion threats to business owners in Surrey throughout 2023.
Satish Kumar, president of Lakshmi Narayan Mandir and owner of Reflections Banquet Hall, was among those targeted. He received a $2 million extortion demand and was later targeted in two separate shootings.
“It was good to hear about the arrests,” said Kumar. “But the threats have not stopped.”
Kumar recently held a public forum in Surrey to shed light on these escalating threats against South Asian Canadian entrepreneurs.
Deadly Gang Activity Expands
In recent months, gang-related violence tied to extortion has escalated:
In June, Rajasthan-origin gangster Rohit Godara claimed responsibility for the murder of businessman M.P. Dhanoa in Brampton.
That killing followed the murder of Harjit S. Dhadda in Mississauga.
Punjabi Artists Also Targeted
Celebrities in Canada’s Punjabi community have also been affected:
In November 2023, Gippy Grewal’s home in White Rock was attacked in a shooting.
In September 2024, singer AP Dhillon’s home on Vancouver Island was shot at.
The Lawrence Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility in both incidents.
RCMP arrested 25-year-old Abjeet Kingra from Winnipeg and issued a warrant for 23-year-old Virkam Sharma, believed to have fled to India.
