A newly opened restaurant owned by comedian Kapil Sharma in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, was struck by gunfire on Wednesday night. The incident, which involved multiple shots fired at the establishment, has sparked concern in the local community and among the Indian diaspora.
The restaurant, named Kap's Cafe, had just opened its doors recently and quickly gained popularity within the Indian community. According to Surrey police, several rounds were discharged at the property, leaving bullet marks on the café's facade and nearby residential buildings. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Harjit Singh Laddi, an alleged operative of the banned Khalistani outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), has claimed responsibility for the shooting. Laddi, who is also listed as one of India's most wanted men by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), stated that the attack was motivated by anger over remarks allegedly made by Sharma. Authorities are currently investigating whether the shooting was a targeted act of intimidation or part of a broader pattern of threats linked to pro-Khalistan extremists operating abroad.
Local police have cordoned off the area and launched an investigation into the incident. CCTV footage is being reviewed, and spent bullet casings have been recovered for forensic analysis.
Kapil Sharma, known for his comedy shows, has yet to issue a public statement regarding the incident. His wife, Ginni Chatrath, had recently shared a video expressing gratitude for the support Kap's Cafe had received. Sharma was present at the cafe's soft launch a few days prior to the shooting.
The incident has drawn widespread attention, with videos of the aftermath circulating on social media. News of the shooting has spread rapidly, prompting concern from fans and the entertainment industry.
Harjit Singh Laddi is a wanted operative of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). According to reports, Laddi claimed the firing was carried out because of certain remarks allegedly made by Kapil Sharma.