AI Generated Summary
- Shashi’s family has emphasized that he had not received threats or extortion demands prior to the killing, leaving the community alarmed about random acts of violence and the safety of business leaders.
- The growing momentum behind initiatives like the ‘Secure Canada’ petition suggests a community no longer willing to wait for change—and demanding protection and accountability from those in power.
- The large turnout, including federal and provincial politicians, reflected deep concerns about growing violence and a push for action through initiatives like the ‘Secure Canada’ petition.
Hundreds gathered in Surrey, BC, following the shocking daylight killing of Abbotsford businessman Darshan Singh Shashi, demanding justice, real accountability, and lasting protection for the community. The large turnout, including federal and provincial politicians, reflected deep concerns about growing violence and a push for action through initiatives like the ‘Secure Canada’ petition.
Darshan Singh Shashi, a 68-year-old prominent Indian-origin businessman, was fatally shot outside his home in Abbotsford on October 27, 2025. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang, notorious for extortion, claimed responsibility in a social media post. However, Shashi’s family has emphasized that he had not received threats or extortion demands prior to the killing, leaving the community alarmed about random acts of violence and the safety of business leaders.
The daytime killing struck a nerve across the South Asian community and beyond. Hundreds gathered at a memorial in Surrey to mourn the loss and express outrage. Community members remembered Shashi as a father, philanthropist, and pillar who built his success from humble beginnings. Demands for justice were echoed throughout the gathering, with many emphasizing the urgent need for stronger law enforcement and community policing.
During the memorial, many attendees signed the ‘Secure Canada’ petition—a grassroots call for enhanced public safety, rapid police response to gang-related threats, and legislative reforms to deter organized crime. Federal and provincial politicians attended the gathering, pledging to address community fears and to explore measures that protect Canadian residents from targeted violence. Calls for coordinated action between various levels of government were prominent at the event.
Community Demands and Next Steps
- Swift and transparent investigation into Shashi’s killing.
- Greater collaboration between police forces, especially to address organized crime.
- Legislative changes focused on preventing extortion and targeted attacks.
- Resources for the South Asian business community, which feels particularly vulnerable.
The tragedy has spotlighted not only the vulnerability of high-profile business figures but also broader tensions around public safety in British Columbia. The growing momentum behind initiatives like the ‘Secure Canada’ petition suggests a community no longer willing to wait for change—and demanding protection and accountability from those in power.
