Between Bishnoi gang claims and a grieving son’s disbelief, the truth behind Darshan Singh Sahsi’s murder in Canada remains entangled in fear, denial, and unanswered questions.
The Tragic Morning in Abbotsford
On October 27, 2025, a quiet morning in Abbotsford, British Columbia, turned into a scene of horror when Darshan Singh Sahsi, a 68-year-old Indian-origin businessman from Punjab, was gunned down outside his home. Sahsi, president of the textile recycling company Canam International, was about to leave for work when he was ambushed and fatally shot inside his vehicle.
The killing sent shockwaves across both Canada and Punjab, as Sahsi was known as a respected entrepreneur and philanthropist with deep community ties. Within hours, the incident sparked an international storm when the Lawrence Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility for the murder on social media.
The Bishnoi Gang’s Claim
A message attributed to the Bishnoi gang surfaced online, with a member named Goldy Dhillon asserting that Sahsi was targeted because he refused to pay protection money. The post alleged that Sahsi was involved in illegal activities and had ignored repeated warnings.
The message stated: “He didn’t pay up, so we acted. No one is above the Bishnoi syndicate.” The post quickly went viral, drawing parallels with other extortion-related murders linked to the Bishnoi network, which has gained notoriety for its operations across India, Canada, and the UK.
However, what followed was a complete contradiction from the victim’s famil
The Family’s Heartfelt Denial
Speaking to The Indian Express, Sahsi’s son, Arpan Sahsi, firmly rejected the gang’s narrative. “No one benefits from killing my father,” he said. “There were no threat calls, no blackmail, no extortion demands. He had no enmity with anyone.”
Arpan described his father as a man of integrity who believed in hard work and philanthropy. “He was a simple businessman who gave jobs to many. There is no logic in this killing,” he added.
The family believes the murder may have been the result of mistaken identity or an orchestrated attempt to spread fear among Indo-Canadian business owners.
Who Was Darshan Singh Sahsi?
- Age: 68 years
- Origin: Rajgarh village near Ludhiana, Punjab
- Migrated to Canada: 1991
- Profession: Founder and President, Canam International, a textile recycling company
- Reputation: Known for philanthropy and youth employment initiatives
Sahsi’s story is one of immigrant success — a man who built his business from scratch and became a well-respected figure in the Punjabi-Canadian community. His death has raised questions about the growing reach of Indian criminal syndicates into North America’s diaspora circles.
The Gang Culture Crossover: From Punjab to Canada
The Lawrence Bishnoi gang, infamous in India for high-profile attacks and extortion rackets, appears to have developed transnational links. Canadian police have acknowledged a rise in gang-related crimes involving South Asian groups, particularly those connected to Punjab’s underworld.
Bishnoi, currently incarcerated in India, has seen his network expand through associates operating abroad. The gang’s claimed responsibility for several hits, including those of Punjabi singers, businessmen, and local influencers — often justifying their actions through social media proclamations.
Experts believe that such claims serve two purposes:
- Intimidation: To instill fear among wealthy NRIs and businessmen.
- Publicity: To boost the gang’s global reputation and recruitment power.
However, authorities caution that not all online claims may be genuine — some are attempts by smaller groups to exploit the Bishnoi name for notoriety.
Law Enforcement’s Response
Canadian law enforcement has termed the attack a “targeted shooting.” The Abbotsford Police Department’s Major Crime Unit is leading the investigation, working closely with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Indian authorities.
Police spokesperson Sgt. Paul Walker said, “We are investigating all angles — including organized crime links, business disputes, and personal motives.”
Three nearby schools were temporarily locked down as a precaution after the shooting. Investigators recovered bullet casings from the scene and are reviewing CCTV footage for possible leads.
A Family Left Searching for Answers
For the Sahsi family, the pain goes beyond grief — it’s disbelief mixed with frustration. Arpan insists his father was never approached by gang members or intermediaries. “We are waiting for justice and clarity. My father was not the kind of man who would be caught in anything shady,” he reiterated.
In Punjab, relatives and friends gathered for memorial prayers, expressing anger over how easily organized crime has extended its reach beyond Indian borders. “He left India to build a safer life, and yet violence followed him here,” a family friend lamented.
The Broader Picture: A Chilling Trend
Darshan Sahsi’s murder is not an isolated event. Over the past two years, Canadian cities such as Surrey, Brampton, and Vancouver have seen a surge in targeted attacks on Punjabi-origin businessmen. Many of these cases involve claims of extortion by gangs operating from India or Dubai.
While some killings are confirmed to be financially motivated, others seem designed to project power and dominance in the community. The Bishnoi gang’s online presence has contributed to this climate of intimidation.
Law enforcement experts suggest that Canada’s lenient gun laws and open immigration environment have made it easier for criminal networks to operate covertly.
Conclusion: Between Truth and Fear
As the investigation unfolds, one thing remains clear — Darshan Singh Sahsi’s murder has reignited the debate over cross-border organized crime and the safety of Indian-origin entrepreneurs abroad.
For the Bishnoi gang, it’s another headline of notoriety. For the Sahsi family, it’s a wound that may never heal.
“We just want the truth,” said Arpan. “My father was a good man. No one had a reason to kill him.”
FOR MORE BLOGS – beyondthepunchlines.com
Author: Team BTP
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