Abbotsford (Canada): A shocking incident has rocked the Punjabi community in Canada after a well-known businessman, Darshan Singh Sahsi (68), was shot dead outside his home in Abbotsford, British Columbia, on Monday morning.
Sahsi, who hailed from Rajgarh village near Doraha in Ludhiana district (Punjab, India), was preparing to leave for work when unidentified assailants attacked him near his residence on Ridgeview Drive — a quiet neighborhood known for its large Punjabi population.
Victim Was About to Leave for Office
According to early reports, Darshan Singh Sahsi was stepping out of his home to get into his car and drive to his office in Maple Ridge, where he ran a successful cloth recycling business. Before he could start his car, shots were fired at close range, leaving him critically injured.
Local emergency services rushed to the scene, but he was pronounced dead on arrival. The Abbotsford Police Department has confirmed that homicide investigators are handling the case.
Police Investigate Ransom Connection
Investigators have not ruled out the possibility of a ransom link in the killing. Sources close to the family revealed that Sahsi had received ransom calls in the past but chose to ignore them, considering them as mere threats.
While authorities have not officially confirmed the motive, they are probing whether the murder was connected to extortion or business rivalry. Police have appealed to local residents and business owners in the area to share any CCTV footage that could assist in identifying the culprits.
A Respected Entrepreneur and Community Leader
Darshan Singh Sahsi was widely respected both in Canada and India for his entrepreneurship and philanthropy. His Maple Ridge recycling unit employed dozens of workers, and he was known for supporting charitable causes and community events.
Friends and associates describe him as a humble, generous, and deeply spiritual man, who maintained strong ties with his native village in Punjab. “He never said no when someone came for help. His death is a huge loss to the community,” said a family friend.
Family and Community in Shock
The news of his death has left both the Abbotsford Sikh community and residents of Rajgarh village in deep shock. Relatives in Ludhiana have urged Canadian authorities to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation.
Local gurdwaras in Abbotsford and Surrey are reportedly planning memorial services in his honor.
Canadian Police Launch Full Investigation
Police in Abbotsford have cordoned off the crime scene and are working with homicide investigators and forensic experts to gather evidence.
“We are treating this as a targeted attack. Our team is pursuing multiple leads,” said an Abbotsford Police spokesperson.
Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact the IHIT (Integrated Homicide Investigation Team) or Crime Stoppers anonymously.