The chilling message is clear: "AK-47 on your chest." This is the stark reality facing comedian Kapil Sharma after his café in Surrey, Canada, named "Kap's Cafe," was attacked for the second time in less than a month. The incidents have sparked widespread concern and prompted investigations into the motives and individuals behind these brazen acts of violence.
On Thursday, unidentified gunmen once again targeted Kap's Cafe, firing multiple shots at the building. Fortunately, no one was injured in the attack, but the message was unmistakable. The Surrey Police Service responded to the scene after receiving calls about the shooting, which occurred in the early hours of the morning. The extent of the damage is still being assessed, but the incident has left the staff and community shaken.
This marks the second time Kap's Cafe has been targeted in recent weeks. On July 9, a shooter wearing a body camera filmed himself firing shots at the cafe. Harjeet Singh Laddi, a Germany-based terrorist associated with Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), claimed responsibility for the first attack. Laddi, who is also on India's most-wanted list, alleged the attack was retaliation for humorous remarks made on Sharma's show about Nihang Sikhs.
Adding another layer of complexity, a social media post has surfaced, purportedly from Goldy Dhillon, an associate of gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar, claiming responsibility for the latest shooting. The authenticity of the post is still under investigation by Indian authorities. The post chillingly warns that if Sharma continues to ignore their calls, their "next operation" will be in Mumbai, where the comedian resides.
Adding to the threats, a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang has released an audio clip, claiming the shootings were linked to Kapil Sharma's invitation to Salman Khan for the launch of "The Great Indian Kapil Show" on Netflix. The gang member, identified as Harry Boxer, reportedly threatened that anyone working with Salman Khan would be "shot in the chest". Salman Khan appeared in the first episode of the show's third season, which premiered on June 21.
The Mumbai police have taken cognizance of the threats and visited Kapil Sharma's residence to confirm his address. While they have not beefed up his security or recorded his statement, the visit underscores the seriousness of the situation.
Kapil Sharma inaugurated Kap's Cafe with the aim of fostering warmth, community, and joy. The café released a statement on Instagram after the first attack, expressing their heartbreak but reaffirming their commitment to not giving up. Following the initial attack, a community lunch was held at Kap's Cafe with Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke and members of the police service to promote safety and solidarity.
These incidents raise serious concerns about the safety and security of Kapil Sharma and those associated with him. The threats of further violence, particularly the warning of an attack in Mumbai, are being taken seriously by law enforcement agencies. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the authenticity of the social media post and the veracity of the claims made in the audio clip. The comedian now faces a tense and uncertain future, caught in the crosshairs of gang rivalries and international threats.
