Indian authorities have captured a man they describe as the mastermind behind three separate shootings at a popular Surrey café owned by Indian comedian Kapil Sharma. The arrest comes amid growing concerns about extortion schemes targeting South Asian Canadian business owners throughout British Columbia.
The Arrest and Investigation
Bandhu Maan Singh Sekhon, 28, was taken into custody overnight on November 24 in Punjab state by Delhi police's crime branch. According to Indian authorities, Sekhon served as the key strategist behind all three drive-by shootings at Kap's Cafe located at 8496 120 Street in Surrey.
Delhi police allege that Sekhon fled from Canada to India after Surrey police arrested his associates in a recent crackdown on extortion activities. The suspect first arrived in Canada in 2023 and initially worked at a pharmaceutical company in Brampton, Ontario, where police claim he connected with organized crime groups.
Connection to Broader Extortion Pattern
The shootings at Kap's Cafe form part of a disturbing trend of extortion crimes targeting South Asian Canadian businesses in British Columbia. While no injuries resulted from the three separate shooting incidents, the repeated violence has left the local community anxious and demanding justice.
Videos circulating online show an individual firing multiple shots at the exterior of the well-known establishment. The RCMP in British Columbia has linked all three shooting incidents to extortion attempts against the business.
Police Response and International Cooperation
When questioned about the arrest during a Friday press conference, John Brewer, an assistant commissioner of the RCMP in B.C., acknowledged the development but noted he lacked specific information about Sekhon or the case. We're working with our federal counterparts and with our counterparts across the country to see if we can link that to any known instances within the Lower Mainland right now, Brewer stated.
The news conference featured prominent political figures including federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, Premier David Eby, and Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke, highlighting the seriousness with which authorities are treating the extortion crisis.
Confession and Firearms Trafficking Allegations
According to a news release from Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police Sanjeev Kumar Yadav, Sekhon confessed to his active role in the café shootings and possession of illegal firearms following sustained interrogation. Delhi police, serving a city of 33 million people, further allege the suspect participated in international firearms trafficking.
Indian authorities connected Sekhon to a previous investigation that resulted in two arrests and the seizure of eight foreign-made semi-automatic pistols and 84 live cartridges. Police claim one weapon from that confiscated shipment had been delivered to Sekhon.
While Sekhon allegedly planned the shootings, Delhi police indicate other individuals actually carried out the attacks. The investigation continues as authorities work to identify all participants in the extortion scheme and shooting incidents.
