NIA's most wanted: Who is Harjeet Singh 'Laddi,' the terrorist claiming Kapil Sharma's cafe Shooting in Canada?

Who is Harjit Singh, aka Laddi, the Khalistani who fired at Kapil Sharma’s café in Canada

A shooting incident occurred outside comedian Kapil Sharma's newly inaugurated cafe in Surrey, Canada, after unidentified assailants opened fire at the building housing the establishment.

According to top Indian intelligence sources, the attack was not an isolated act of vandalism, but a carefully orchestrated operation with roots in Surrey, Canada - now regarded as a key operational hub for Khalistani terror and ideological activity according to News18 report.

Following the attack, Harjeet Singh Laddi, also known as 'Laddi Khalistani' who is  an operative of the banned terror group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), wanted by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) - claimed responsibility for the incident.

Reports say 12 bullets were fired at the restaurant, with a video shared on X by Canadian journalist Sameer Kaushal showing multiple bullet holes in the café’s glass windows.

In a Facebook post claiming responsibility for the shooting at Kapil Sharma’s café, he stated that the attack was in retaliation for remarks made about the Nihang Sikhs' attire during a television show hosted by Kapil Sharma.

The post further claimed that Laddi attempted to reach out to Kapil Sharma’s manager multiple times regarding the issue but received no response. “We tried to contact Kapil Sharma's manager by calling him several times, but there was no response from him. All our calls were ignored,” the statement said, while also demanding a public apology from the comedian.

“This is a mockery of Sikh spiritual traditions and the dignity of Nihang Singhs. No religion or spiritual identity should be ridiculed in the name of comedy,” a statement reportedly said.

 Who is Harjit Singh ‘Laddi’?

He is originally from Garpadhana village in the Aur area of Nawanshahr, Punjab, is a Germany-based key operative of the banned Khalistani group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI).

Listed among India’s most wanted terrorists, he is believed to play a crucial role in funding, recruiting, and coordinating terror activities across the country, particularly in Punjab.

Laddi is accused of orchestrating multiple targeted attacks, including the assassination of VHP leader Vikas Prabhakar (alias Vikas Bagga) in April 2024, and is linked to various assaults on right-wing leaders.

Indian authorities allege he supplies weapons, funds, and communication support to operatives across the country while acting under the guidance of Wadhawa Singh Babbar, BKI’s Pakistan-based chief.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has announced a ₹10 lakh reward for credible information leading to his capture.

Gunshots target Kap’s café

In the early hours of Thursday, around 2 am local time, multiple gunshots were fired at Kapil Sharma’s recently opened Kap’s Café, situated at the 8400-block of 120th Street in Surrey.

Soon after, Surrey Police Service officials arrived at the location and confirmed that the business had been targeted, with gunfire causing damage to the property while staff members were still inside. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

Staff Sgt Lindsey Houghton of the Surrey Police told local media that the incident was under investigation, and it was too soon to confirm motives or identify any suspects. “Anytime bullets are flying indiscriminately and brazenly, whether it’s the middle of the night or the middle of day, the chances of someone getting hurt are very high, and we’ve been very lucky and fortunate so far that no one’s been injured or killed,” he told Vancouver City News.

Local reports noted that this marks the fifth similar attack on South Asian-owned businesses in Surrey, sparking outrage among community members.

In an emotional note shared via social media, the café team said, “We opened Kap’s Caffe with hopes of bringing warmth, community, and joy through delicious coffee and friendly conversation. To have violence intersect with that dream is heartbreaking. We are processing this shock, but we are not giving up."