Canadian police arrest suspect in AP Dhillon attack
Canadian authorities have announced the arrest of a suspect connected to a recent shooting outside the Vancouver Island residence of popular Punjabi singer AP Dhillon. The attack, which took place on September 20, left the local community and Dhillon’s global fanbase in shock.
The incident occurred in Colwood, British Columbia, where gunshots were fired at Dhillon’s home in the 3300 block of Ravenwood Road. During the attack, two vehicles parked near the property were also set on fire. Dhillon, a fast-rising figure in Punjabi music, was not at home at the time and escaped injury.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) identified the suspect as Abjeet Kingra, 25, from Winnipeg. Kingra was apprehended in Ontario on October 30 and has been formally charged with “discharge of a firearm with intent” and “arson.” Authorities confirmed that Kingra will make his first court appearance today in Ontario.
In connection with the case, police are searching for a second suspect, 23-year-old Vikram Sharma, who they believe may have fled to India. Sharma is described as a South Asian male, approximately 5’9″ tall, with black hair and brown eyes. Canadian authorities have issued a warrant for his arrest and are urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to come forward.
“West Shore RCMP officers have been working diligently through this investigation, leading to the identification of the suspects involved,” said Superintendent Todd Preston of the RCMP. “We are continuing our efforts to locate the second suspect to bring closure to this case.”
The attack, which the gunman reportedly recorded, captured shots being fired into the residence and the subsequent torching of two vehicles. Following the incident, the Lawrence Bishnoi-Rohit Godara gang claimed responsibility.
The gang is alleged to have been involved in high-profile cases, including the murder of singer Sidhu Moose Wala, and has previously issued threats against Dhillon. Similar violence was reported last year outside the home of Punjabi singer Gippy Grewal in Canada.
The attack on Dhillon’s home comes at a time of escalating diplomatic tensions between Canada and India. In October, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in violent activities targeting Sikh separatists in Canada.
Trudeau stated that there was “credible intelligence” linking Indian agents to attacks on Sikh dissidents, including Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent activist. India has dismissed these claims, labeling the accused separatists as terrorists and insisting they pose a national security risk.
Following Trudeau’s allegations, Canada expelled Indian diplomats, to which India responded by expelling Canadian diplomats in a retaliatory move. These diplomatic escalations underscore ongoing tensions over Sikh separatist movements, particularly the Khalistan movement advocating for an independent Sikh state carved from Indian territory.
