A prominent Indian-origin businessman, Darshan Singh Sahsi, was shot dead outside his home in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada, on Tuesday. Police believe the attack on the 68-year-old was targeted.
According to the Abbotsford Police Department, Darshan Singh was standing near his truck parked in the driveway of his residence on Townline Road when unidentified assailants opened fire. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died on the spot.
Police said they received reports of a shooting just after 9:20 a.m. (local time). Officers found Darshan Singh suffering from life-threatening injuries inside his vehicle. Despite immediate first aid from responders, he could not be saved.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has taken over the case. In a social media post, IHIT confirmed that the shooting appeared to be a targeted attack. The investigation remains in its early stages, and no arrests have been made so far. Authorities have urged residents to share any surveillance footage or information that might assist in solving the case.
Sahsi’s son, Arpan, expressed shock and grief over his father’s death. Speaking to CBC News, he said, “We’re devastated. There were no threats, no blackmail, no extortion. It just doesn’t make sense.”
Shootings linked to gang activity and extortion have been rising in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia. However, this incident marks only the second murder in Abbotsford this year.
Darshan Singh Sahsi was widely known as a respected businessman and philanthropist. He founded Canam International, one of the world’s leading clothing recycling companies. Before moving to Vancouver in 1991, he owned a brick kiln in Rajgarh village near Doraha, Punjab.
Apart from business, Sahsi played an active role in promoting Punjabi language and culture. Since 2012, he served as a patron of the Punjabi Sahit Akademi in Ludhiana, supporting numerous cultural and literary projects.
Friends and cultural leaders in Punjab described his death as a huge loss for the Punjabi community abroad. Former Akademi president Gurbhajan Singh Gill said, “Darshan Singh Sahsi was a symbol of hard work, humility, and community spirit.”
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Family members in Ludhiana and Doraha are coordinating with Indian diplomats in Canada to bring his body home for final rites.
