Rising Violence Against South Asian Businesses: A Closer Look at Kap’s Cafe
Recent Incidents at Kap’s Cafe
Just a week has passed since Kap’s Cafe, owned by comedian Kapil Sharma and his wife Ginni Chatrath, was attacked in Surrey, British Columbia. The incident on August 7 involved gunfire and the discovery of what appeared to be a Molotov cocktail-like device. This marked the second attack on the café in less than a month, as a prior shooting had occurred on July 10.
The Escalating Situation
While investigations are still underway, the Surrey Police have not released significant information about the attackers or their motives. Fortunately, there were no fatalities in these violent incidents. However, they have drawn attention to a troubling trend of violence and extortion targeting South Asian businesses, particularly in Surrey and Toronto, areas with large South Asian communities.
Timeline of Attacks on Kap’s Cafe
Kap’s Cafe, which opened its doors on July 3, positioned itself as a friendly community spot offering coffee and Indian cuisine. Unfortunately, just a week after its debut, it became the target of violence. On July 10, assailants fired at least nine shots at the café’s exterior, causing damage and instilling fear among staff and customers.
Although there were no injuries reported, the community was rattled. Kapil Sharma responded positively on his Instagram upon the café’s reopening on July 20, expressing gratitude for community support. However, the relief was short-lived as the café faced a more severe attack on August 7 around 4:40 a.m., when police discovered evidence of 25 gunshots and another suspicious device.
The Allegations and Threats
An unverified social media post claimed that the Lawrence Bishnoi gang was behind the August attack. The post included threats directed at Kapil Sharma himself, highlighting the dangerous nature of the situation. It suggested that in the absence of a response from Sharma, the gang might escalate their actions in Mumbai.
Surrey Police’s Staff Sergeant Lindsey Houghton mentioned investigating possible links to extortion, given the similarities with other crimes targeting local South Asian businesses.
The Broader Picture: Extortion in Canada
Extortion in Canada saw a staggering increase, jumping 170% between 2012 and 2018, from 1,730 to 4,664 cases. The trend continued, with incidents more than doubling from 4,234 in 2019 to 9,717 in 2022. By 2023, cyber extortion also contributed significantly to the rising numbers.
In British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario, police have revealed connections between extortion cases and organized crime groups, including the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. These groups utilize sophisticated communication methods to demand large sums of money, often using threats of violence as a means of coercion.
Impact on the South Asian Community
A troubling aspect of the current extortion landscape is its impact on the South Asian community. Police investigations have uncovered numerous cases targeting Indo-Canadian businesses, with 74 incidents reported by March 2024. Many of these cases involve violent threats, including shootings and arson, often executed by individuals of the same community.
According to Peel Regional Police, all arrests in their investigations were linked to South Asian individuals, who often leverage cultural connections and language to intimidate victims. The Edmonton Police noted a similar spike in incidents tied to organized crime involving South Asian suspects.
Calls for Action
In reaction to the violence at Kap’s Cafe, Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke has urged for increased provincial resources to tackle the threats of violence. She emphasized that the attack signifies a risk to community safety and demanded strong measures to ensure residents feel secure. In June, she had already called on the federal government to classify the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity to bolster police response capabilities.
Premiers from British Columbia and Alberta, as well as Brampton’s Mayor, have echoed this call, highlighting the need for strategic actions against the organized crime posing an economic threat to the community.
The Lawrence Bishnoi Connection
The August 7 attack was claimed on social media by Goldy Dhillon, associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. His message reiterated the gang’s grievance against Sharma, suggesting previous outreach had been ignored, prompting their recent violent action. Linked to criminal activities such as extortion and drug trafficking, the Bishnoi gang is believed to have extended its reach into Canadian territory, exacerbating the ongoing safety crisis.
The Khalistani Connection
The earlier attack on July 10 was linked to Harjit Singh Laddi, an alleged fugitive of the Khalistani terrorist group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). His claim identified Sharma’s comedic remarks about Nihang Sikhs as the motivation behind the attack, illustrating the multifaceted nature of the threats facing Kap’s Cafe.
The Shadow on the South Asian Community
The involvement of South Asian individuals in extortion and violent crimes has cast an unfortunate light on the broader community. Recent violent incidents across locations like Abbotsford and Brampton highlight that the landscape of crime here includes not only individual motivations but also organized crime’s reach across international borders.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has confirmed that many extortion schemes specifically target successful South Asian business owners, compounding the community’s vulnerabilities. The transnational aspect of these crimes often complicates law enforcement efforts.
Conclusion
The violent incidents at Kapil Sharma’s café underscore a troubling trend of gang violence affecting South Asian communities in Canada. As local leaders call for immediate action, the urgent need for robust measures against organized crime becomes increasingly clear. The resilience of affected communities remains strong, even as they face the challenges posed by these criminal enterprises.
