Indian-Origin Businessman Shot Dead Outside Home in Canada’s Abbotsford

A 68-year-old Indian-origin businessman, Darshan Singh Sahsi, was shot dead in a suspected targeted attack outside his home in Abbotsford, British Columbia, early Monday morning. The incident has sent shockwaves across Canada’s South Asian community, with authorities confirming that the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has taken over the probe.

Sahsi, originally from Ludhiana, Punjab, was the president of Canam International, a well-known textile and recycling firm recognized among the largest global clothing recyclers. According to local reports, the businessman was ambushed as he entered his vehicle outside his residence in the 31300 block of Ridgeview Drive.

Police said the shooter appeared to have been waiting nearby in a parked car before opening fire and fleeing the scene. Officers who arrived shortly after the attack found Sahsi critically injured inside his vehicle. Despite immediate medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.

Police Confirm Targeted Shooting

The Abbotsford Police Department stated that the incident was confined to a single parked vehicle and appeared to be a deliberate act rather than a random assault. “The evidence indicates this was a targeted shooting,” police officials said, while confirming no arrests have been made yet.

Authorities have not ruled out possible connections to recent extortion and gang-related threats faced by members of the South Asian business community in British Columbia. However, officials clarified that it is too early to determine whether Sahsi’s murder is linked to any such pattern.

Family Rules Out Extortion or Threats

Sahsi’s son, Arpan, described his father as a respected businessman and philanthropist, deeply involved in community welfare. Speaking to local media, he expressed disbelief and grief, saying, “There were no threats, no blackmail, and no extortion. It just doesn’t make sense.”

He added that his father often went out of his way to help others, building a reputation as a generous employer and community supporter. “I usually went to work with him every day — I was supposed to be in that truck today,” Arpan said, highlighting the personal tragedy that struck the family.

Sahsi immigrated to Canada in 1991, starting his company from scratch with only a handful of employees. Over the years, Canam International grew into a major textile recycling enterprise, employing dozens of workers and exporting recycled materials globally.

Community Reaction and Investigation

The incident has sparked concerns over the rising violence targeting Indian-origin entrepreneurs in Canada. Community leaders have urged authorities to strengthen safety measures and expedite the investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The IHIT continues to collect surveillance footage and witness statements to identify suspects. Police have urged the public to report any suspicious vehicles or activity near Ridgeview Drive around the time of the shooting.

The killing of Darshan Singh Sahsi marks yet another tragedy in the growing list of violent attacks against prominent South Asians in Canada, raising questions about safety, extortion, and organized crime within immigrant business networks.