An inquiry has been initiated by Canadian law enforcement authorities following reports of gunfire directed at the dwelling of a Canadian-Indian entrepreneur situated in Surrey within the British Columbia province. This incident resulted in significant property damage.
Various media outlets reported that gunshots were directed at the residence belonging to the offspring of Satish Kumar, who serves as the president of Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, in Surrey on a recent Wednesday.
The temple gained attention previously when its members countered a protest staged by the separatist group Sikhs for Justice. The protest aimed at highlighting the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on June 18 in Surrey.
In an official statement released by the police on Thursday, Surrey's Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) disclosed their ongoing investigation into the incident involving shots fired at a residence during the early morning hours of December 27.
Detailing the event, Constable Parmbir Kahlon, Media Relations Officer for Surrey Police, mentioned that on Wednesday around 8:03 am, Surrey RCMP promptly responded to reports of gunfire directed at a dwelling in the 14900 block of 80 Avenue. Fortunately, no injuries were reported; however, the residence exhibited damage consistent with that caused by bullet penetration, as highlighted in the police statement, which refrained from disclosing the resident's identity.
Law enforcement officials continued to survey the area, examining the scene, interviewing witnesses, and canvassing the neighbourhood in pursuit of CCTV footage. The motive behind this incident remains under investigation, as stated in the official release.
Instances of vandalism targeting Hindu temples in Canada, allegedly orchestrated by Khalistani supporters, have unfortunately been recurrent over the past few years.
Amidst the diplomatic friction between India and Canada over the killing of Najjar on Canadian soil, Khalistani activists affixed posters targeting Indian diplomats onto the Surrey temple's gates and walls, marking an escalating tension between the two nations.
