VICTORIA, Canada (Diya TV) — A Winnipeg man has been sentenced to six years in prison for his role in a violent attack at Punjabi musician AP Dhillon’s home on Vancouver Island. On Sept. 26, a judge in Victoria sentenced 26-year-old Abjeet Kingra after he pleaded guilty to arson and discharging a firearm into a place where someone could have been present. Kingra received two years for arson and six years for firing into the home, but he will serve the sentences at the same time.

Because of the time already served since his arrest in October 2024, Kingra is expected to spend about four and a half years behind bars. The court also issued a lifetime firearms ban and ordered Kingra to submit his DNA.

RCMP said the case involved months of work by investigators. “While we are pleased to see accountability in this case, our work is not done,” said Insp. Stephen Rose, acting officer in charge of West Shore RCMP. Police say the attack happened on Sept. 2, 2024, at Dhillon’s Colwood home, located outside Victoria. RCMP responded to reports of gunshots and vehicles on fire.

By the time officers arrived, two vehicles were engulfed in flames. Evidence showed multiple gunshots had been fired at the house. A resident was evacuated from the property, and firefighters quickly put out the blaze. Dhillon, a global Punjabi artist known for hits such as “Brown Munde,” was not injured in the attack.

The judge said Kingra acted on orders from the Lawrence Bishnoi crime group, a gang based in India that has built a reputation for violence and intimidation. Shortly after the shooting, Indian media reported that Bishnoi gang member Rohit Godara claimed responsibility in a social media post. Godara warned Dhillon to “stay in your place” or face consequences. He also mentioned Bollywood star Salman Khan, whom the gang has repeatedly threatened.

The Bishnoi gang has been tied to several high-profile attacks, including a shooting outside Khan’s home in Mumbai in April 2024 and a 2023 shooting outside singer Gippy Grewal’s residence. Days after Kingra’s sentencing, the Canadian government announced it would list the Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity. Officials described the group as a transnational criminal network involved in murder, shootings, and arson.

Public Safety Canada said the new listing will give immigration officers the power to deny gang members entry into the country under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The department said the group creates “a climate of insecurity” by targeting cultural figures, businesses, and community leaders.

RCMP have issued an arrest warrant for a second suspect in the case. Investigators say 24-year-old Vikram Sharma is wanted for arson and discharging a firearm with intent. Sharma is believed to have fled to India. Authorities said his location complicates efforts to bring him before a Canadian court.

“If they happen to be spotted in another country, we absolutely will work with that country to bring them back here,” said RCMP spokesperson Corp. Nancy Saggar.

Police have urged anyone with information about Sharma’s whereabouts to come forward. Authorities say the Bishnoi gang has expanded its reach into Canada and often targets Punjabi artists, community leaders, and businesses.

“The Bishnoi gang is known to target specific communities in Canada for terror, violence, and intimidation,” said Saggar. She added that anyone who receives threats should immediately contact the police.

The case has highlighted growing concerns about transnational organized crime and its impact on Canadian communities. For AP Dhillon and others in the Punjabi music industry, the attack serves as a stark reminder of how far the Bishnoi network will go to spread fear.

Dhillon has not made a public statement about the shooting, but his fans continue to express concern for his safety. The popular artist, who built an international following through his fusion of Punjabi and Western sounds, remains a cultural icon in both Canada and India.