A chilling threat has been issued to Indian comedian Kapil Sharma by the pro-Khalistan group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), following a shooting incident at a café associated with him in Surrey, Canada. The incident and subsequent threats have sparked concerns about the safety of Indian celebrities and businesses operating in Canada.
The Times of India reports that the SFJ, led by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, released a video addressing Sharma, accusing him of supporting Prime Minister Modi's Hindutva ideology while investing in Canada. Pannun stated, "To Kapil and every other Modi-brand Hindutva investor: Canada is not your playground. Take your blood money back to Hindustan. Canada will not allow violent Hindutva ideology to take root on Canadian soil under the guise of business".
The shooting at Kapil Sharma's café, named Caps Cafe, occurred just days after its inauguration. Babbar Khalsa International, a Khalistani group, claimed responsibility for the attack. Harjeet Singh Laddi, identified as a terrorist associated with Babbar Khalsa International and listed as one of India's most wanted by the NIA, stated that the attack was a response to remarks purportedly made on Sharma's show. However, Laddi also offered a contradictory narrative, suggesting the shooting was a "false flag operation masterminded by Indian agencies" and attempting to distance Khalistanis from the incident.
Following the shooting, Mumbai Police visited Kapil Sharma's residence to inquire about potential threats and will submit a security report for review by senior officials to determine future security arrangements.
The Surrey Police Department responded to the shooting at approximately 1:50 a.m. after receiving reports of multiple shots fired at the café. Authorities confirmed that shots were fired toward the business, causing property damage while staff were inside. Eyewitness accounts indicate the attackers fled in a car after the shooting. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The incident has heightened security concerns within the local community. Authorities are investigating the shooting as a potential act of intimidation or as part of a broader pattern of threats linked to pro-Khalistan extremists operating abroad. The police are gathering evidence and reviewing CCTV footage and have appealed to the public for any information related to the incident.
This is not the first time concerns have been raised about the activities of extremist organizations in Canada. India has previously expressed concerns regarding safe havens for extremist groups and extortionists, including Khalistani organizations, operating in Canada. Earlier in the year, the Canadian intelligence agency CSIS issued a report highlighting concerns related to Khalistani extremism within Canada itself.
