Overview of the Incident
For the third time since July, a Surrey café owned by Indian entertainment star Kapil Sharma was targeted by gunfire in the early hours of Thursday. The Surrey Police Service (SPS) reported multiple shots fired at the establishment located at 120 Street and 85 Avenue around 3:45 a.m. There were no reported injuries among employees or patrons, and the investigation is ongoing as detectives gather evidence and review surveillance footage.
Earlier Attacks and Current Context
The venue first came under fire less than a month after opening, with bullets striking the building in the early morning hours of July 10. A second shooting occurred on August 7, when investigators also found what appeared to be a Molotov cocktail left outside the premises. Photos from the August incident show a glass bottle filled with liquid and a rag protruding from the top. In each case, staff were present inside the café, but no injuries were reported.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigations
When the café reopened on October 2, a Surrey Police Service vehicle and mobile CCTV station remained stationed outside, underscoring the department’s vigilance. SPS spokesperson Ian MacDonald noted that authorities have been in regular contact with the owners about safety and the possibility of keeping the business closed if violence escalates. He cautioned that the decision to stay open or close could hinge on the evolving risk landscape and the owners’ assessment of viability.
Link to Extortion Criminology
Law enforcement connects the attacks to a broader rise in extortion-related crime south of the Fraser. Officials point to 65 extortion incidents so far this year, 35 of which involved shootings. In response, SPS has stepped up patrols around the café and engaged in outreach with local businesses. The force emphasizes collaboration with the community to gather information and deter criminal activity.
What We Know About Suspected Groups
There has been international media speculation that the India-based Lawrence Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility for the latest shots. Police have stated those claims are unverified at this time and remain a potential investigative path pending substantiation. Authorities caution the public not to rely on rumors and remind residents that verified information will come from official channels as investigations progress.
Public Safety and Community Reach
The SPS acknowledges public concern in a busy neighborhood and reaffirms its commitment to safety. Officials emphasize that a strong relationship with the community remains essential to solving extortion cases and preventing further violence. Surrey has also established a reward fund of $250,000 for information leading to convictions, underscoring the city’s dedication to accountability and deterrence.
How the Public Can Help
Residents and business owners are urged to contact the Surrey Extortion Tip Line at 236-485-5149 with any information. The line operates seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Punjab-speaking officers are available if needed. The SPS stresses that information from the public is a critical element in identifying suspects and closing cases tied to extortion schemes.
Looking Ahead
As investigators process the latest scene, Kapil Sharma’s café remains a focal point of concern for nearby businesses and residents. The incident highlights broader risks associated with organized crime and extortion while illustrating the ongoing efforts of local police to safeguard communities. Updates will follow as the investigation unfolds and the SPS provides new findings.
