Shots fired at Kapil Sharma's Canada cafe; Khalistani operative involved
What's the story
Kap's Cafe, a newly opened restaurant in Canada, owned by comedian-actor Kapil Sharma and his wife Ginni Chatrath, was shot at on Wednesday night (Canada time). The incident reportedly involved multiple bullets hitting the cafe and nearby buildings. No injuries were reported, but the attack has raised concerns among local residents and the Indian community in the area of Surrey, British Columbia.
Police response
Several rounds fired at the property
The Surrey Police have confirmed that several rounds were fired at the property. The cafe's facade and nearby residential buildings bear bullet marks. The area has been cordoned off for investigation, with CCTV footage being analyzed and spent bullet casings recovered. A forensic investigation is also underway to ascertain the details of the incident.
Suspect identified
Attack ordered by wanted Khalistani operative
The shooting has been claimed by Harjit Singh Laddi, an alleged operative of the banned Khalistani outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), reported The Indian Express. Laddi is one of India's most wanted men listed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). He reportedly ordered the attack in anger over remarks allegedly made by Sharma. The comedian has not yet issued a public statement on this matter.
Criminal background
Laddi is wanted for killing VHP leader
Laddi is wanted by the NIA for the murder of a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader. The VHP leader, Vikas Prabhakar alias Vikas Bagga, was shot dead at his shop in Punjab's Rupnagar district in April 2024, reported NDTV. Authorities are investigating if the firing was an act of personal intimidation or a part of a larger pattern of threats from pro-Khalistan extremists abroad. No arrests have been made so far.