Ottawa, Jan 28 (NationPress) Authorities in Burnaby, Canada, have indicated that the recent tragic shooting of an Indian-origin individual may be associated with the ongoing gang warfare in British Columbia (BC).

The deceased, identified as Dilraj Singh Gill, a 28-year-old Vancouver resident, was reportedly familiar to law enforcement.

As per the announcement from the Canadian Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT), at approximately 5:30 p.m. on January 22, officers from the Burnaby Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) responded to gunfire reports near the 3700 block of Canada Way. Upon arrival, they discovered a male victim; however, despite immediate medical attention, he did not survive.

“Not long after, officers found a vehicle engulfed in flames at the 5000 block of Buxton Street. Investigators are assessing potential connections to the shooting. Initial findings suggest that the incident may have been targeted,” the statement noted.

“IHIT has confirmed the identity of the victim as Dilraj Singh Gill, 28, from Vancouver. Mr. Gill had previous encounters with police, and the shooting appears linked to the BC Gang crisis,” it continued.

Investigators mentioned that the burning vehicle located on Buxton Street is tied to the homicide, and police are diligently gathering more details regarding the vehicle.

“Homicide investigators are collaborating closely with the Burnaby RCMP, the Lower Mainland District Integrated Forensic Identification Service (IFIS), and the BC Coroners Service to gather evidence and progress the investigation,” stated Sergeant Freda Fong of IHIT.

“A shooting in a public area is very concerning, not only for law enforcement but for the entire community. Information from witnesses and residents in the vicinity will be essential to further this investigation and ensure accountability for those responsible,” she emphasized.

IHIT is appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage from the area to assist in identifying suspects.

Last month, a report highlighted that Canada is presently at a crossroads, where it can either treat Khalistani extremism and Punjabi-Canadian gang violence as separate issues or recognize their intertwined nature.

It stated that improved border security, financial intelligence collaboration with reliable partners, and a zero-tolerance stance on money laundering through political or charitable means would be significant initial steps.

“Canada hosts one of the world’s largest Sikh diasporas, nearly 800,000 strong. The vast majority are law-abiding individuals who have contributed to the nation through trucking, farming, construction, and small business ventures. However, a small, violent faction within the Punjabi-Canadian community has become increasingly entangled with transnational organized crime,” noted author, cultural critic, and filmmaker Vikram Zutshi in an article for NDTV.