Third Gunfire Incident at Surrey Café Owned by Bollywood Star
In Surrey, British Columbia, a café owned by Bollywood star Kapil Sharma has come under gunfire for the third time since July. On Thursday, at approximately 3:45 a.m., local authorities received reports of multiple shots fired at the café located at 120 Street and 85 Avenue. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the latest incident.
Recent Gunfire Incidents
The café experienced its first shooting on July 10, shortly after its opening, followed by another incident on August 7. In the August shooting, investigators discovered what appeared to be a Molotov cocktail outside the establishment. Employees were present during all three events, highlighting ongoing safety concerns.
Police Investigation and Community Concerns
The Surrey Police Service (SPS) is actively investigating the case. Ian MacDonald, a spokesperson for the SPS, indicated that discussions have taken place with café ownership regarding potential closures due to safety issues. “Thursday’s incident might influence that decision,” he noted.
The police have linked these attacks to a rise in extortion-related crimes in the area. In 2023 alone, SPS reported 65 incidents related to extortion, with 35 resulting in shootings. To enhance security, the police increased patrols around the café since July.
Community Engagement
Authorities are aware of the public’s concerns due to the café’s location in a busy community area. The SPS has engaged with over 1,000 businesses to discuss crime and has set up a task force to address extortion crimes more effectively. A recent initiative includes a $250,000 reward fund for information leading to convictions.
- Number of extortion-related incidents in 2023: 65
- Extortion-related shootings: 35
- Reward fund established by Surrey’s mayor: $250,000
Call to Action
Individuals with information regarding the extortion cases are encouraged to contact the Surrey Extortion Tip Line at 236-485-5149. Monitoring happens seven days a week, with Punjabi-speaking officers available if needed.
The café’s future remains uncertain as investigations continue, and the community grapples with the fear associated with these violent incidents linked to extortion activities in Surrey.
