In a shocking incident in Surrey, British Columbia, a Pakistani-Canadian businessman, Rahat Rao, was critically injured after being set on fire by an unidentified assailant. The attack occurred on Friday and has sent shockwaves through the local community.
Rahat Rao, who gained attention through his involvement in protests following the death of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, was targeted by a man believed to be in his early twenties. Rao was promptly hospitalized and is reported to be in critical condition. The motive behind the brutal assault remains unclear, and the attacker has yet to be identified.
Rao, known for his active participation in demonstrations in the wake of Nijjar’s death last June, had become a prominent figure in local political discourse. Nijjar, a controversial figure, was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey, an incident that sparked widespread protests and heightened tensions in the region.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) had previously questioned Rao in connection with Nijjar’s murder in September 2023, but authorities have stressed that there is no evidence to suggest Rao is connected to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Despite this, speculation about possible connections persists.
The investigation into the attack on Rao is ongoing, and authorities are working diligently to uncover the motives and identity of the perpetrator. The Surrey community remains on edge as the search for answers continues, and concerns about the implications of the incident linger.
As this situation develops, local officials and community leaders are calling for calm and urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in the investigation.
