Comedian Kapil Sharma’s Canada cafe attacked by ‘anti-India’ and ‘ultra-nationalist’ gangs. Here’s why
Two Indian gangs have claimed responsibility for these attacks: Harjit Singh Laddi, associated with Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), and Goldy Dhillon of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
4 min read
The actor has been given high security since April 14 last year when a few rounds were fired outside his Bandra residence. (File Photo)In the past two weeks, two gangs in Canada opened fire at a café owned by Indian actor and comedian Kapil Sharma. No injuries were reported in either incident, as the attackers’ intent was reportedly to “instill fear” rather than harm staff or customers.
Two Indian gangs have claimed responsibility for these attacks: Harjit Singh Laddi, associated with Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), and Goldy Dhillon of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
The Laddi group of BKI, which had made a video of the shooting from July 10, claimed responsibility on social media. It said a character on The Kapil Sharma Show had made some “humorous” remarks on Nihangs Sikhs, and that they tried to contact Sharma through his manager but did not get any response. The post also sought a public apology from Sharma.
Dhillon attacked on August 7. He, too, recorded the shooting and posted a video claiming responsibility. The reason for this attack, provided by the Bishnoi gang, was linked to Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. They were angry with Sharma for inviting Khan to his show on Netflix recently.
A day after the second shooting, an audio message allegedly from another Bishnoi gang member, Hari alias Harry Boxer, surfaced on social media. In it, he can be heard issuing a warning to Bollywood, threatening that any producer, director, or actor — big or small — who works with Salman Khan will be targeted.
The Bishnoi gang has held a long-standing grudge against Khan over the 1998 blackbuck poaching case in Jodhpur, dating back to when Bishnoi was a teenager. Following an attack near Khan’s residence in April last year, allegedly by Bishnoi gang shooters, the actor’s security has been heightened.
After the incident, the Maharashtra Police also increased security for Sharma at his residence in Mumbai.
The Delhi Police, which monitors the activities of these gangs even abroad, believes the attacks on the cafe were meant to create fear in India — with extortion as the primary motive.
A senior officer told The Indian Express that beyond the stated reason for the shooting at Sharma’s café in Surrey, the gangs aimed to send a message to the film industry and local businesses. That’s why they recorded and publicised the incident, he said.
Both these gangs have their origin in India; however, they are active in Canada. While BKI is a banned organisation in India, because of its separatist leanings and pro-Khalistan stance, Bishnoi has fashioned himself as an “ultra-nationalist” gangster of late.
Who are the attackers?
Police said Laddi, who hails from Nawanshahr in Punjab, is suspected to be residing in Germany. He is on the National Investigation Agency’s most-wanted list. His name cropped up in connection with the murder of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Vikas Prabhakar in Rupnagar, Punjab, in April 2024.
Laddi has been chargesheeted, along with BKI leader Wadhwa Singh Babbar, in relation to the VHP leader’s murder. The NIA has announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for information leading to his arrest.
Dhillon, alias Gurpreet Singh, is also believed to be staying in Germany. Police said he is actively working for Lawrence Bishnoi by providing foot soldiers for the gang’s operations in Punjab and its surrounding areas.
His name also cropped up in an extortion case involving a Canada-based businessman in May. The Punjab Police has arrested several men associated with Dhillon. As per police records, he is facing over a dozen cases — including murder, attempt to murder, and violations of the Arms Act — in Punjab.
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