Burnaby: A 28-year-old man of Indian origin was fatally shot in the Canadian city of Burnaby on Thursday evening in what police believe may be a targeted attack linked to ongoing gang-related tensions in British Columbia.
The victim has been identified as Dilraj Singh Gill, a Vancouver resident. Law enforcement officials confirmed that he was previously known to police, adding that preliminary findings point towards possible links with regional gang conflicts.
According to Burnaby RCMP, officers rushed to the scene near Canada Way shortly before 5.30 pm following reports of gunfire. On arrival, they discovered a man suffering from critical injuries. Despite immediate medical assistance, he was pronounced dead at the location.
Within a short span of time, authorities also found a vehicle engulfed in flames in another part of the city, several kilometres away. Investigators are probing whether the burned vehicle was used in connection with the shooting, with early evidence suggesting a possible link.
The case has since been handed over to the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT), which is leading a multi-agency probe involving forensic specialists and the BC Coroners Service. Police are working to reconstruct the sequence of events, examine physical evidence, and identify suspects.
Describing the incident as deeply concerning, investigators stressed the seriousness of gun violence in public spaces and urged anyone with information to assist in the inquiry. Officers have appealed to residents, motorists, and nearby businesses to review security footage or dashcam recordings from the area around the time of the incident.
Authorities said witness cooperation will be critical in piecing together the circumstances of the killing and ensuring those responsible are brought to justice. The investigation remains ongoing, and further details are expected as police gather more evidence.
