Following an incident where shots were fired at the house of a prominent Hindu businessman in British Columbia's Surrey, the Canadian police have launched a probe. As per reports, the incident occurred on December 27 at approximately 8:03 AM in the 14900 block of 80 Avenue.
As per media reports, the house sustained damage consistent with bullet holes but no one was injured in the shooting. It has been reported that the Surrey RCMP General Investigation Unit has taken over the investigation in a bid to ascertain the motive behind the attack.
According to a statement from the Surrey Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the residence belongs to the elder son of Satish Kumar, the president of the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey.
“I can’t say whether [the attack] was by Khalistanis or some extortionist. Police is investigating the case,” said Kumar, adding that the temple was also targeted by alleged Khalistani activists thrice in the past.
Vandalism on the rise in Canada
The shooting incident comes at a time when the Hindu communities in Canada are grappling with a significant rise in vandalism which includes the incidents at Lakshmi Narayan temple in Surrey, temples in Brampton, and the Greater Toronto area.
These episodes follow a rise in pro-Khalistan rallies and online rhetoric demanding a referendum for a separate state for Sikhs.
Community leaders are urging law enforcement to investigate these incidents as potential hate crimes and allocate resources for temple security. The Canadian government has condemned the attacks and pledged to support affected communities.
