Three Attacks, One Mystery: Kapil Sharma’s Surrey Cafe in the Spotlight
The ongoing violence surrounding Kapil Sharma’s Surrey cafe took another alarming turn early Thursday morning, marking the third time since July that the establishment has been targeted by gunfire. Police say numerous shots were fired at the 120 Street and 85 Avenue location around 3:45 a.m., prompting a swift response and a broader investigation into extortion-related crime in the region.
Surrey Police Service (SPS) officers were on the scene as the business, which has drawn attention far beyond its doors, reopened for the first time since the August 7 incident. In that earlier shooting, authorities reported what appeared to be a Molotov cocktail outside the cafe, adding a disturbing layer to the violence surrounding the premise. No injuries were reported during Thursday’s shooting, and employees were present at the cafe during all three attacks.
The cafe reopened its doors on October 2 after initial closures, with an SPS vehicle and a mobile CCTV unit stationed nearby. The extended presence of law enforcement underscores how seriously authorities are treating the pattern of attacks, especially in a precinct already grappling with public safety concerns.
Police Link to a Broader Trend
Ian MacDonald, a spokesperson for the SPS, said investigators have engaged in ongoing discussions with the cafe owners about security and the viability of continuing operations in the face of persistent threats. “I don’t believe it’s an easy decision on the part of ownership, whether to close the business… And I hate to say it, but obviously [Thursday]’s incident might influence that,” he remarked, acknowledging the human and economic toll of repeated violence.
Authorities have long connected the surge in these attacks to extortion-related crime south of the Fraser. Through the year, the city has recorded 65 extortion-related incidents, with about half involving shootings. The SPS has previously boosted patrols around the cafe in response to the sustained risk and is now pursuing a broader strategy to disrupt extortion networks.
What We Know About the Investigation
Video footage of the latest shooting has circulated on social media, mirroring the pattern seen after the prior incidents. Police caution that while online claims have circulated about the involvement of a well-known international gang, such as the India-based Lawrence Bishnoi group, those claims remain unverified at this stage. “If we can verify those claims, then obviously that becomes an investigative path. But short of that, they are just that. They are claims that have to be substantiated through police investigation,” MacDonald said.
Detectives are expected to continue gathering evidence at the scene for several hours, interviewing witnesses, and coordinating with their provincial counterparts to map out any cross-jurisdictional links in extortion schemes. The city has urged residents and business owners to assist with information that could shed light on who is behind these attacks and why the cafe remains a recurring target.
Community Impact and Public Safety Measures
The repeated violence around Kapil Sharma’s Surrey cafe has amplified concerns about public safety in a busy commercial corridor. City leaders have emphasized the need for collaboration between the police, business owners, and residents to tackle extortion and protect local commerce. Surrey’s mayor recently announced a $250,000 reward fund for information leading to convictions in extortion cases, underscoring the administration’s commitment to deterring future violence.
Surrey Police Service notes that it has contacted more than 1,000 local businesses to discuss crime prevention and reporting, with a view to building trust and gathering actionable intelligence. The goal is to create a safer environment for both workers and customers while ensuring that extortionists cannot easily exploit fear to pressure legitimate enterprises.
What Comes Next for the Cafe and the Community
As investigators continue to piece together what happened in the early hours of Thursday, stakeholders face a difficult question: can a high-profile business continue to operate under the shadow of repeated gunfire? The answer will depend on a combination of investigative findings, security improvements, and the broader legal process surrounding extortion cases.
For the public, the priority remains safety and transparency. Anyone with information about the attacks or related extortion activity is urged to contact the Surrey Extortion Tip Line at 236-485-5149. The line is monitored seven days a week, with Punjabi-speaking officers available to assist as needed.
Related Note
The case continues to unfold as investigators pursue leads and cross-check social media content with physical evidence collected at the scene. The community will be watching closely to see how authorities balance the protection of a beloved local business with the imperative to deter violent crime.
