AI Generated Summary
- Canadian authorities have charged two Punjab-origin men in connection with the shooting at comedian Kapil Sharma’s Kap’s Café in Surrey, British Columbia, amid mounting concerns over gang-related violence and extortion targeting businesses across Canada.
- The case comes against the backdrop of escalating extortion-related violence in Canada, particularly in British Columbia and Ontario, where South Asian entrepreneurs have increasingly reported threats, intimidation and shootings.
- Both accused remain in custody, and the allegations against them have yet to be proven in court.
Canadian authorities have charged two Punjab-origin men in connection with the shooting at comedian Kapil Sharma’s Kap’s Café in Surrey, British Columbia, amid mounting concerns over gang-related violence and extortion targeting businesses across Canada.
The accused, Pardeep Singh and Saveer Khan, both aged 22, were arrested on November 1 following investigations into two separate shootings in October 2025.
According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), both suspects face two counts each of reckless discharge of a firearm.
The first incident occurred on October 12, 2025, when gunfire struck a residential property in Surrey, injuring a woman. Four days later, unidentified attackers opened fire at Kapil Sharma’s café, marking the third shooting at the establishment since its opening in July 2025.
Although two employees were inside the café during the attack, neither sustained injuries.
Investigators are examining possible connections between the incidents and organised extortion networks. Reports have also raised questions about alleged links to gangster Goldy Dhillon’s network, although the charges announced against the two suspects do not establish such affiliations.
The case comes against the backdrop of escalating extortion-related violence in Canada, particularly in British Columbia and Ontario, where South Asian entrepreneurs have increasingly reported threats, intimidation and shootings.
Surrey emerged as a major flashpoint during 2025, recording 44 extortion investigations, including 27 cases involving gunfire. By mid-January 2026, authorities had already recorded 35 extortion cases, prompting the city council to declare a local emergency over the crisis.
Similar criminal activity has surfaced in the Greater Toronto Area. In May 2026, Canadian police announced the arrest of 17 suspects allegedly associated with an organised extortion network targeting restaurants, trucking companies and other businesses.
Authorities have identified a disturbing pattern in which criminals allegedly demand large payments from business owners, sometimes using shootings and arson to intimidate victims.
The growing transnational dimension of these operations has prompted closer cooperation among Canadian law enforcement agencies and international partners.
British Columbia established a dedicated Provincial Extortion Task Force in September 2025 to coordinate investigations and disrupt organised criminal networks.
As of November 6, the task force reported securing 28 charges against 14 individuals.
The latest arrests represent another development in efforts to address violent extortion, but the wider challenge of protecting vulnerable businesses and communities remains significant.
Both accused remain in custody, and the allegations against them have yet to be proven in court.
