Darshan Singh Sahsi’s Death Highlights Growing Threat to Immigrant Businesses in Canada

Darshan Singh Sahsi, a prominent Punjabi businessman and philanthropist with roots in Rajgarh village near Doraha, Ludhiana, was tragically shot dead outside his home in Abbotsford, British Columbia, on Monday morning. The 68-year-old, who had built a successful cloth recycling business in Canada and was known for his generosity and community involvement, was about to leave for his office in Maple Ridge when the assailant, reportedly waiting in a parked car, opened fire and fled the scene. Despite immediate medical intervention, Sahsi succumbed to his injuries, leaving the local Punjabi community in shock and disbelief.​

Sahsi’s killing is not an isolated incident. In recent months, Punjabi businessmen and entrepreneurs in Canada have increasingly become targets of extortion, threats, and violent attacks. The Canadian authorities are investigating Sahsi’s murder in connection with a ransom case, as he had reportedly received ransom calls in the past, which he had ignored. This follows a disturbing trend: Kapil Sharma’s Kap’s Café in Surrey has been attacked three times in the past four months, with gangsters linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi network claiming responsibility for the shootings. Each incident, captured on video and widely circulated, has left the café’s facade riddled with bullet holes, though fortunately, no injuries have been reported so far.​

Police in Surrey and Abbotsford have registered dozens of extortion cases this year, with many targeting the South Asian community. The Surrey Police Service has confirmed that at least 56 extortion cases and 31 shootings have been reported in 2025 alone, with many incidents involving Punjabi business owners. Authorities have noted that these attacks often bear the earmarks of organized crime, with gangs using sophisticated methods—including encoded messaging apps and social media—to demand large sums of money, escalating to violence if their demands are not met.​

The repeated attacks have left the Punjabi community in Canada feeling increasingly vulnerable. Community leaders and law enforcement officials have called for stricter government measures and additional resources to address the growing threat. Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke has urged the provincial government to provide more support, emphasizing that these incidents are not just isolated crimes but a broader affront to the security and well-being of residents. The Canadian government has also launched dedicated task forces to investigate extortion and organized crime, while intelligence agencies have acknowledged the role of transnational gangs in these attacks.​

The tragic death of Darshan Singh Sahsi and the ongoing wave of violence against Punjabi entrepreneurs in Canada highlight the urgent need for coordinated action. As the community grapples with fear and uncertainty, calls for stronger security measures, increased police presence, and international cooperation grow louder. The safety of business owners and the integrity of the community hang in the balance, demanding a swift and decisive response from both local and national authorities.​

This wave of violence is not just a Canadian issue but a global concern, reflecting the reach and impact of transnational organized crime. The legacy of Sahsi—a respected entrepreneur and philanthropist—serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of these attacks and the urgent need for action to protect the lives and livelihoods of those who contribute so much to their communities.