Gagandeep Singh, Red FM Vancouver
A late-night shooting at Kap’s Café, a recently launched eatery owned by Indian comedian and actor Kapil Sharma and his wife Ginni Chatrath, has stirred international headlines and online controversy.
The incident occurred around 1:50 a.m. in the 8400 block of 120 Street, near the border of Surrey and North Delta. Police confirmed that at least eight rounds were fired into the café, which had staff members inside at the time. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Responding units from both Surrey Police Service and Delta Police Department were dispatched to the scene shortly after reports of gunfire surfaced. The front windows of the café were visibly damaged, bearing the scars of multiple bullet holes.
Suspicions and Claims Circulate Online
In the hours following the attack, social media lit up with unverified posts suggesting a German-based individual named Harjit Singh Laddi may be behind the shooting. These claims, currently under investigation, allege that Laddi acted in response to remarks made during an episode of The Kapil Sharma Show.
Investigators are now analyzing a video shared online that appears to capture the moment of the shooting. “We are reviewing the footage and working to confirm its authenticity,” stated Staff Sergeant Lindsey Houghton. “At this point, no suspects have been identified, and the motive remains unclear.”
Links to Extremism? Authorities Urge Caution
Laddi wanted in India for his alleged involvement in the April 2024 killing of Vikas Prabhakar in Punjab.
Despite these allegations, the advocacy group Sikhs for Justice, which promotes the Khalistan Referendum movement, has strongly denied any link to the shooting.
“This appears to be an intentional effort to smear a peaceful democratic campaign,” said Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a spokesperson for the group. “There is no connection between the Surrey incident and our referendum initiatives. Disinformation is being weaponized.”
Pannun further called for an unbiased investigation, warning against what he described as politically motivated narratives emerging from certain media outlets.
Investigation Ongoing
As of Thursday afternoon, officers remained at the scene while the Surrey Police Service’s Frontline Investigative Support Team continued to collect evidence and explore leads. Authorities have not ruled out any potential motives, including extortion, but say it’s too early to confirm any specifics.
“The investigation is still in its early stages. We are following all possible avenues,” said Houghton.
Anyone with information related to the shooting is urged to contact Surrey Police or Crime Stoppers.
Loading ...
