Indian-origin businessman shot dead in 'targeted' killing in Canada

In a suspected "targeted incident," Darshan Singh Sahsi, a 68-year-old Indian-origin businessman was shot dead outside his house in Canada's British Columbia province, according to police and media reports.

He was reportedly killed on Monday in the province's Abbotsford city.

Police responded to a report of a shooting on Ridgeview Drive, where they found Sahsi inside a vehicle, suffering from life-threatening injuries, Abbotsford Police said in a statement on Monday.

"The investigation is still in its early stages, and additional resources have been deployed to support efforts in uncovering the full circumstances surrounding this incident," the statement said.

He succumbed to his injuries despite the lifesaving medical efforts of first responders.

While the statement did not identify Sahsi, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) later named him as the victim.

ANI reported that Goldy Dhillon, a Canada-based gangster, claimed responsibility for the murder of Darshan Singh Sahsi in a now unavailable Facebook post. He is reportedly connected to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The authenticity and verification of the post and its claims are being investigated by the authorities involved.

In a statement on Tuesday, IHIT spokesperson Sgt Freda Fong said, "Early indications suggest this was a targeted incident and no one else was injured as a result of the shooting.”

“Investigators are working diligently to determine the motive and the circumstances surrounding the shooting," she said.

No arrests have been made in the case yet, and the investigation is ongoing.

Investigators also released a surveillance image of a silver Toyota Corolla involved in the shooting, CTV News reported.

Police urged anyone with information related to the incident to contact the IHIT.

According to the Vancouver Sun newspaper, Sahsi operated a textile recycling business called Canam International. The company’s website states that he was the child of a Sikh farmer and grew up in Punjab, and that he served as president of the company.

(with agencies inputs)