New Delhi : Harjit Singh Laddi, a fugitive Khalistani terrorist and one of the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) most wanted, has claimed responsibility for the shooting incident at comedian Kapil Sharma’s newly opened café in Canada. The attack, which occurred on the night of July 9 outside ‘Kaps Kafe’ in Surrey, British Columbia, has raised fresh concerns over the growing threat of Khalistani extremism in North America.
Shots Fired Outside Kapil Sharma’s Surrey Café
Unidentified assailants opened fire outside the premises of Kaps Kafe late Tuesday night. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident. The gunfire rattled staff and bystanders but caused only minor property damage. Shortly after the attack, Harjit Singh Laddi took to social media channels associated with pro-Khalistani networks to claim responsibility.
Café Issues Strong Statement: “Shaken But Unshaken”
Following the attack, Kaps Kafe issued a public statement via Instagram, calling the incident “shocking and disturbing” but reaffirming their commitment to stand against hate and violence.
“We are shaken but not broken,” the café wrote. “We will not be silenced by fear or intimidation. Our team stands united, and we will continue to serve our community with love and laughter.”
The incident has sparked renewed concerns over Khalistani extremist activity targeting Indian-origin individuals and establishments abroad, particularly in Canada, where recent months have seen a spike in politically motivated violence.
Who is Harjit Singh Laddi?
Harjit Singh Laddi hails from Garpadhana village in Punjab’s Nawanshahr district and is known to be affiliated with the banned terrorist organization Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). The NIA has labeled him as one of its most wanted terrorists, alleging his involvement in multiple violent conspiracies across Punjab.
Among the charges against him is the April 2024 assassination of Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Vikas Prabhakar. Laddi is also accused of orchestrating targeted attacks on right-wing leaders and creating unrest through radical propaganda and armed violence.
In 2024, the NIA announced a cash reward of ₹10 lakh for information leading to the arrest of Laddi and an associate connected to the VHP leader’s killing.
India-Canada Tensions on the Rise
This latest incident comes at a time when India-Canada relations remain strained over Ottawa’s handling of anti-India separatist activities. India has repeatedly raised the issue of Khalistani elements finding safe haven in Canada, urging the Canadian government to crack down on extremist networks operating from its soil.
The shooting outside Kapil Sharma’s café—linked directly to one of NIA’s top Khalistani fugitives—marks a dangerous escalation and is likely to invite serious diplomatic discussions in the coming days.
As Canadian authorities continue investigating the attack, Indian security agencies are working closely with international counterparts to track down Harjit Singh Laddi and dismantle the network allegedly supporting his operations abroad.
