A prominent Punjabi-origin businessman, Darshan Singh Sahsi, was shot dead outside his residence in the Ridgeview Drive area of Abbotsford, Surrey, Canada, amid growing concerns over targeted attacks on Sikhs. Sixty eight-year-old Darshan Singh, a leading figure in Canada’s cloth recycling industry, was about to leave for work when unidentified assailants opened fire, killing him on the spot.

Originally from Rajgarh village near Doraha in Ludhiana, Darshan Singh had migrated to Canada years ago, where he established a successful recycling business employing dozens of workers. He was widely known for his philanthropy and community service, often sponsoring education for underprivileged children in his native village. 

Local police in Doraha confirmed that Sahsi’s family is in contact with authorities regarding the repatriation of his body. His brother and nephew are expected to travel to Canada to attend the funeral. Community leaders in Rajgarh expressed deep grief over the killing, describing Sahsi as a kind-hearted benefactor who “never forgot his roots.”

 The murder comes amid escalating concerns over the safety of Sikh and Punjabi-origin figures in Canada following the June 2023 killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which strained India–Canada relations. The latest killing has reignited fears of transnational threats and targeted violence against diaspora members. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)