Canadian authorities are intensifying their efforts following the recent arrest of 25-year-old Abjeet Kingra, who is implicated in the violent attack on the residence of popular Punjabi singer and rapper AP Dhillon in British Columbia. The shocking incident, which occurred on September 20, 2024, in the Victoria Island area, involved reckless gunfire aimed at Dhillon’s Vancouver home and the torching of two vehicles parked near the property. Kingra, originally from Winnipeg, was apprehended in Ontario on October 30 and has since been charged with discharging a firearm with intent and arson. He is set to face the court on Friday, where the gravity of the charges against him is expected to be thoroughly examined.
Authorities have issued an arrest warrant for a second suspect in the case, 23-year-old Vikram Sharma, who is believed to have fled to India. Sharma, who remains at large, has been described by police as a South Asian male, 5'9" in height and weighing approximately 200 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Despite not having a current image of Sharma, law enforcement hopes the detailed description will aid in his capture. Canadian authorities are working closely with international counterparts to locate Sharma, as they pursue leads across borders to ensure he faces justice for his alleged role in the attack.
This disturbing event has drawn significant attention due to the involvement of the Lawrence Bishnoi-Rohit Godara gang, a criminal organization with deep-rooted connections in India and a reputation for orchestrating high-profile attacks. The gang’s claim of responsibility following the attack at AP Dhillon’s residence has heightened public concern and prompted Canadian authorities to take a rigorous stance on gang violence spilling over into Canadian communities. The gang is widely known for its ties to violent incidents in the Indian subcontinent, and its alleged involvement in this attack has raised questions about the reach of organized crime networks operating internationally.
Superintendent Todd Preston of the West Shore Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) addressed the severity of the incident, stressing that the department has been working tirelessly to identify and detain all individuals connected to this violent act. He affirmed that “officers have been working diligently” and vowed to exhaust all available resources in locating Sharma and ensuring that both suspects are brought to justice. The RCMP has also urged the public to come forward with any information that may assist in tracking down Sharma, as the investigation remains ongoing.
The September 20 attack has not only unsettled AP Dhillon’s fanbase but has also sparked broader discussions about the safety of public figures from Indian diasporic communities who are increasingly finding themselves targeted by organized crime networks. Dhillon, a global sensation in Punjabi music, enjoys a wide following, particularly among South Asian communities in Canada, the US, and India. The attack on his home has amplified concerns over the influence of foreign criminal syndicates and the risks faced by high-profile individuals in Canada.
Local authorities have reassured the public of their commitment to addressing gang-related violence, both domestically and through international collaboration. The RCMP, in cooperation with Indian law enforcement agencies, is examining all potential leads that could help uncover any additional motives or connections involved in the case. Security experts are advising individuals who might be vulnerable to such violence to take precautionary measures, as they work closely with law enforcement to monitor threats from cross-border crime groups.
The case is expected to develop as Canadian authorities continue their coordination efforts with Indian counterparts. For now, the RCMP remains vigilant, striving to maintain public safety and prevent further incidents of gang-related violence, while assuring the public and the family of AP Dhillon that every effort is being made to bring those responsible to justice.
