BRAMPTON, Canada (Diya TV) — A targeted shooting in a busy mall parking lot in Brampton, Canada left a 25-year-old man dead and raised fresh concerns about public safety in the Peel Region. Police say the victim was shot multiple times while sitting inside a vehicle at Shoppers World Plaza on Monday evening, Dec. 8. The victim has been identified as Jaskaran Singh Dhaliwal, 25, of Brampton. He worked as a bookkeeper and handled accounting duties at the office of former Liberal Member of Parliament Raj Grewal, according to sources familiar with his employment.
Peel Regional Police said the shooting occurred shortly after 7 p.m. in the parking lot near Hurontario Street and Bartley Bull Parkway, close to Steeles Avenue East. The area sits next to Shoppers World Plaza, a popular shopping destination that remained busy at the time of the incident. Police believe the shooting was targeted and not a random act of violence. Several gunshots struck a vehicle parked in the lot, officers said.
Const. Mandeep Khatra, a spokesperson for Peel police, said officers rushed to the scene after receiving emergency calls. When police arrived, they found the victim inside the vehicle. Officers smashed a window to reach him, Khatra said. The man did not respond to lifesaving efforts. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. He was the only person inside the vehicle.
Police said the suspects fled the area before officers arrived. Investigators have not released any descriptions of the suspects or vehicles involved. Authorities also have not confirmed how many suspects took part in the shooting.
On Monday night, police closed parts of the parking lot as homicide detectives examined the scene. Officers marked evidence areas and spoke with potential witnesses while cruisers blocked access points. Peel police described the incident as “concerning” because it happened in a public mall parking lot during the evening hours. The plaza serves shoppers from across Brampton and nearby communities.
The Peel Regional Police Homicide Bureau has taken over the investigation. Detectives continue to review surveillance footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras in the area. Police initially withheld the victim’s identity as they notified family members. Investigators later confirmed the name through official channels. Authorities have not released details about a possible motive. Police also have not confirmed whether the victim had any known threats or connections to the suspects. Investigators said they are exploring all angles.
The shooting has shaken residents and shoppers who frequent Shoppers World Plaza. Many expressed concern about gun violence occurring in a place meant for everyday errands. Brampton has seen several targeted shootings in recent years, often linked to personal disputes. Police continue to stress that targeted incidents still pose risks to bystanders. Khatra said police understand public concern and urged anyone with information to come forward.
Peel police are asking anyone who witnessed the shooting or noticed suspicious activity in the area around 7 p.m. to contact investigators. Police are also seeking dashcam footage from drivers who passed through the area at the time. Video evidence, police said, could help identify suspects or track their escape route. Even small details may prove critical to the investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact Peel Regional Police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
The fatal shooting highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence in public spaces across the Greater Toronto Area. Police continue to increase patrols in high-traffic areas while urging the public to stay alert.
Investigators said the case remains active and developing. They expect to release more information as the investigation progresses. For now, the killing of Jaskaran Singh Dhaliwal marks another tragic loss and leaves many questions unanswered as police work to bring those responsible to justice.
