Toronto: A Punjabi businessman living in the Ridgeview Drive area of Abbotsford, a Punjabi-dominated town near Surrey, was shot dead outside his home on Monday. The victim, identified as 68-year-old Darshan Singh Sahasi, was preparing to leave for his office in downtown Maple Ridge when unidentified assailants opened fire.
Darshan Singh, a textile recycling businessman, had business operations in several cities across India. Originally from Rajgarh village near Doraha in Punjab, he moved to Canada several years ago and established a cloth recycling factory in Maple Ridge that employed dozens of workers. Known in the community for his generosity, Darshan Singh was actively involved in charitable work and frequently attended community events.
Police sources said that the murder may be linked to a ransom case, as Darshan Singh had reportedly received ransom calls in the past but did not take them seriously.
In a separate incident just hours later, a 41-year-old man was seriously injured in a shooting on the city’s Fergusson Way. He was airlifted to a hospital, where doctors said his life was saved. Police spokesman Sergeant Paul Walker said the second shooting did not appear to be related to a ransom case. The victim’s identity has not yet been released.
Tensions have risen in the region following the two incidents. In the past two days, four homes in Surrey have been shot at, damaging properties but causing no injuries. Another house in the neighbouring city of Delta was also targeted by gunfire, leaving residents anxious and fearful.
