From Abbotsford to Vancouver: Bishnoi gang linked to businessman’s killing and attack on Punjabi singer Channi Nattan

Bishnoi network’s Canada trail widens

Canada’s Punjabi community has been shaken by two separate incidents of violence allegedly linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang network — the murder of an Indian-origin businessman in Abbotsford and a shooting outside the residence of Punjabi singer Channi Nattan.

Indian-origin businessman shot dead in Abbotsford

A 68-year-old businessman, Darshan Singh Sahsi, was killed on Monday morning in Abbotsford, British Columbia, as reported by The Vancouver Sun.

According to a news release from the Abbotsford Police Department, patrol officers discovered Sahsi suffering from life-threatening injuries. “Despite life-saving medical efforts of first responders, the man succumbed to his injuries. No arrests have been made at this time,” said Sergeant Paul Walker, adding that “the investigation is still in its early stages, and additional resources have been deployed to support efforts in uncovering the full circumstances surrounding this incident.”

Police said the shooting did not appear to be connected to recent extortion-related violence targeting members of the South Asian business community. Investigators believe the suspected shooter was acting alone. Surveillance images of a silver Toyota Corolla allegedly involved in the shooting have also been released.

Shortly after the incident, Canada-based gangster Goldy Dhillon, who is linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, claimed responsibility for Sahsi’s murder in a Facebook post. He alleged that Sahsi was involved in the drug trade and had ignored the gang’s demands for money.

Authorities in India and Canada are currently verifying the authenticity of the post and probing possible links to the Bishnoi network operating abroad.

Punjabi journalist Gurpreet Singh Sahota described Sahsi as “a very gentle person.” He told The Vancouver Sun: “He was a millionaire, a multimillionaire, but never showed off, and he was very helpful to the community.”

Bishnoi gang claims attack on singer Channi Nattan

In a separate development, a shooting was reported outside the residence of Punjabi singer Channi Nattan in Canada. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang has claimed responsibility for the attack, allegedly stating that it was carried out because Nattan had grown close to fellow singer Sardar Khera, which triggered the confrontation.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident, though there were no reports of injuries.

This marks yet another case of violence targeting Punjabi artists abroad. In February 2024, shots were fired at singer Prem Dhillon’s home, followed by similar attacks on singers AP Dhillon and Gippy Grewal in Vancouver.

The latest shooting has reignited fears about the growing reach of organised crime networks operating from within Canada and their increasing influence over Punjabi entertainers and businessmen alike.

Rising concerns over organised crime influence

The incidents highlight a worrying escalation of gang-linked violence within Canada’s Punjabi diaspora. Authorities in both countries have called for stronger cooperation between Indian and Canadian agencies to dismantle the transnational networks allegedly connected to the Bishnoi syndicate.