Abbotsford (Canada): A 68-year-old businessman of Punjabi origin, Darshan Singh Sahsi, was gunned down outside his residence in Abbotsford, British Columbia, early Monday morning. Local police have begun a full-scale investigation, probing possible links between the killing and earlier ransom demands made to the victim.
Sahsi, who hailed from Rajgarh village near Doraha in Ludhiana district, was reportedly preparing to leave for his office in Maple Ridge when unidentified assailants opened fire. He was found critically injured near his car and succumbed to his wounds at the scene before emergency services arrived.
According to local media, Sahsi had been a well-known figure in Abbotsford’s thriving South Asian community. Over the years, he built a successful business in the cloth recycling industry, employing several workers both in Canada and India. Friends and associates described him as a kind-hearted man who often extended financial help to those in need and contributed generously to community causes.
Investigators have not released details about possible suspects but confirmed that they are looking into reports of ransom calls Sahsi had allegedly received prior to the attack. “We are pursuing all leads, including extortion-related motives,” a spokesperson for the Abbotsford Police Department said, adding that specialized homicide detectives have joined the probe.
Sahsi had migrated to Canada decades ago and steadily grew his business into a reputed enterprise with operations on both sides of the border. His sudden death has left the local Punjabi community in shock and mourning.
Community leaders in Abbotsford have urged authorities to expedite the investigation and ensure justice. Meanwhile, Sahsi’s family members in Punjab have been informed and are coordinating with Canadian officials regarding the repatriation of his remains.
The incident has once again raised concerns over the growing number of targeted attacks against South Asian businessmen in parts of Canada, prompting calls for tighter security and stronger police action.
