Canadian police arrest suspect in AP Dhillon home shooting case, another flees | The Express Tribune

Canadian police have arrested a suspect in connection with a shooting incident outside the British Columbia residence of Punjabi singer AP Dhillon, while a second suspect remains at large and is believed to be in India, authorities said.

The arrest follows an investigation into a September 20 incident in which gunshots were fired into the singer’s home in the 3300 block of Ravenwood Road in Colwood, located on Victoria Island.

Two vehicles parked near the property were also set on fire during the attack.

Dhillon, a rising global Punjabi music star, was not at home during the incident and did not sustain any injuries.

Police identified the suspect as 25-year-old Abjeet Kingra of Winnipeg, who was apprehended in Ontario on October 30.

Kingra has been formally charged with "discharge of a firearm with intent and arson," police confirmed. He is scheduled to appear before an Ontario court today.

In an official statement, Canadian authorities noted the continued pursuit of a second suspect in the case, identified as 23-year-old Vikram Sharma.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Sharma, who police suspect may be hiding in India.

Though no photograph is available, Sharma is described as a South Asian male, standing 5'9" tall, with black hair and brown eyes.

Authorities are urging anyone with information on Sharma’s whereabouts to contact local law enforcement.

“West Shore RCMP officers have been working diligently through this investigation, leading to the identification of the suspects involved,” said Superintendent Todd Preston.

“We will continue to pursue this investigation as well as the outstanding suspect until they have been located and arrested.”

The September attack shocked the local community and fans worldwide. A video surfaced following the incident, appearing to capture the shooting from the perspective of the gunman, who fired multiple rounds at Dhillon’s house before setting two vehicles ablaze.

The Lawrence Bishnoi-Rohit Godara gang, claimed responsibility for the attack shortly afterward.

Known for its alleged involvement in several high-profile cases, including the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala, the gang has issued threats against Dhillon in the past.

Following the incident, Dhillon shared on social media that he was safe and expressed gratitude to his fans for their support.

The Bishnoi gang is also believed to have been responsible for a similar attack outside the home of Punjabi singer Gippy Grewal in Canada last year.

The gang's activities extend beyond Canada; in April, shots were reportedly fired outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s Mumbai residence on instructions allegedly from Anmol Bishnoi, Lawrence Bishnoi’s Canada-based brother.

AP Dhillon, celebrated for his unique fusion of 1980s synth-pop with Punjabi music, has gained global fame with hits like “Brown Munde,” “Dil Nu,” and “Insane.”

His quick rise to fame has been underscored by significant international success, attracting a wide audience across cultures.

The invcident comes amid tensions between Canada and India. In mid-October, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India’s government of "orchestrating violence" against Sikh separatists in Canada. 

He stated there are “ever clearer indications” that India violated Canadian sovereignty by targeting Sikh dissidents on its territory. 

India has labeled Sikh separatists as "terrorists" and threats to national security, as they advocate for an independent homeland, Khalistan, carved from Indian territory. 

The insurgency during the 1980s and 1990s, including the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, resulted in tens of thousands of deaths. The riots followed the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards after she ordered security forces to storm the holiest Sikh temple to expel separatists.

Following Trudeau's allegations, Canada expelled Indian diplomats, linking them to the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. 

In retaliation, India ordered the expulsion of Canadian diplomats. This diplomatic fallout highlights ongoing tensions between the two countries over India's alleged targeting of Sikh separatists abroad.

Canada has also alleged that Indian Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah, an ally of PM Modi, had plotted against Sikh separatists on Canadian soil.

The Washington Post reported that Canadian officials named Shah in a campaign targeting Sikhs in Canada. Canadian Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister David Morrison confirmed Shah's involvement to the newspaper but offered no further evidence.