Surrey, British Columbia | July 11, 2025 —

A café recently launched by renowned Indian comedian Kapil Sharma and his wife Ginni Chatrath in Surrey, Canada, became the target of a shooting incident earlier this week. Though no injuries were reported, the attack has raised serious questions about the safety of Indian-owned businesses overseas and the growing threat of transnational extremism.

📍 Incident Overview

In the early hours of July 10, multiple shots were fired at Kap’s Café, a hospitality venture that opened to much fanfare earlier this summer in Surrey’s Newton area. Law enforcement confirmed that the attack took place around 1:50 a.m., causing damage to the property but no physical harm to staff or customers.

Surveillance footage shows a vehicle slowing near the premises, from which a shooter reportedly opened fire. Investigations are ongoing, and forensic teams have collected ballistic evidence from the scene.

🚨 Extremist Group Claims Responsibility

Shortly after the incident, a man claiming to be Harjit Singh Laddi—linked to the banned Babbar Khalsa International (BKI)—released a video taking responsibility for the shooting. He alleged that Sharma’s comedy show had previously mocked Nihang Sikhs, a religious warrior order, and stated the attack was “a response” to that perceived insult.

Laddi, believed to be operating from outside India, is a wanted individual under various cases investigated by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA). Authorities say he has previously been involved in orchestrating targeted killings and promoting extremist activities abroad.

📢 Response from the Café

The official Instagram page of Kap’s Café released a brief but emotional statement:

“We are processing this shock. But we are not giving up. Thank you to our customers and well-wishers for standing by us.”

Sources close to the family stated that while shaken, Kapil Sharma and his team are committed to continuing operations and strengthening security at the premises.

🇮🇳 Indian Reactions and Political Backlash

In India, the shooting has reignited concerns over the freedom with which extremist groups allegedly operate in Canada. Political commentators and public figures have criticized Canadian authorities for not taking sufficient steps to curb Khalistani-linked activities on their soil.

A former BJP spokesperson remarked,

“If you nurture snakes in your backyard, don’t be surprised when they bite.”

The Ministry of External Affairs is expected to raise the matter formally, citing concerns about the safety of Indian-origin citizens and businesses in Canada.

🔎 Why This Incident Matters

This event highlights the rising trend of diaspora-targeted violence, particularly in countries where ideological tensions related to India are often exported. It also raises the question of whether freedom of expression through comedy or satire can be misinterpreted as cultural insensitivity—sparking real-world retaliation.

Furthermore, with ongoing geopolitical friction between India and certain separatist factions overseas, such incidents carry the risk of deteriorating diplomatic ties.

🛡️ What Happens Next

Police in Surrey are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses. No arrests have been made as of this report. Security measures around the café have been upgraded, and local businesses have been advised to remain vigilant. Indian agencies, including the NIA and MEA, are closely monitoring developments and may issue travel or advisory updates based on the situation.

📝 Conclusion

The attack on Kapil Sharma’s café is more than an isolated act of vandalism—it reflects a deeper undercurrent of ideological conflict playing out across international borders. While the comedian himself was not present during the incident, the symbolism of the attack has sent shockwaves through the Indian community abroad.

As investigations unfold, what remains clear is this: the café was targeted not for profit, but as a statement. And in today’s politically charged global landscape, even a plate of food served in peace can become collateral in a cultural war.