Gunshot fired at Surrey business run by Nijjar’s cousin, Bishnoi gang blamed

Gunshots were fired at a trucking business in Surrey, British Columbia, linked to slain Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The business owner, Raghbir Singh Nijjar, Nijjar’s cousin, alleged that the Lawrence Bishnoi gang was behind the attack.

There were two rounds of firing at Raghbir’s business within a day.

Earlier on Wednesday, suspects tried to burn vehicles using gasoline but fled when security showed up, according to a report by Canada-based news outlet, Red FM.

Citing extortion threats from the Bishnoi gang, Raghbir also alleged that his home was similarly targeted in a shooting in August last year.

Surrey Police Service (SPS) officers responded swiftly to reports of gunfire and discovered multiple bullet casings at the scene, along with damage to vehicles and buildings. No injuries were reported, although staff were present at the time, Red FM reported.

Raghbir Singh alleged that the gang was using international students to carry out such violence.

Earlier, on Tuesday, June 17, British Columbia Premier David Eby asked Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to designate the India-based Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist organisation, citing its growing role in extortion, shootings, and arsons targeting South Asian communities.

The premier said the Lawrence Bishnoi gang had been linked to extortions and other crimes against South Asian community members in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario.

He expressed deep concern over the rising trend of criminal groups using innocent international students to carry out such violent acts, according to the report.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Khalistani extremist, was assassinated in June 2023 in Surrey. The case gained global attention after former Canadian PM Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of being involved in the murder.

These developments comes a week after a 57-year-old Indian-origin businessman, Satwinder Sharma, was shot dead in his office in Surrey. Sharma, a well-known figure in the Punjabi community, operated a workforce supply business since 1992.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) is investigating the killing. IHIT termed it a “targeted killing”.

A gunshot was also fired at a business owned by Indian-origin man Satish Kumar, a day after he organised a public forum to discuss extortionists targeting South Asian business owners in Surrey.

Kumar, the president of the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir Temple, said authorities are not doing enough for South Asian businesses and individuals receiving threats from extortionists, a Canada-based news website, Vancouver Sun, reported.