SURREY, Canada (Diya TV) — A shooting erupted outside Kapil Sharma’s newly opened restaurant, Kap’s Café, in Surrey, British Columbia, on the night of July 9, sparking outrage and concern among fans and netizens. The gunfire, caught on camera, has drawn global attention, especially after a known terrorist reportedly claimed responsibility.
At least nine gunshots were fired at Kap’s Café, the first restaurant venture by the popular Indian comedian. A video circulating on the social media platform X shows a gunman firing several rounds from a moving car directly at the café.
The eight-second clip, shared by user Ritesh Lakhi, shows the gunman firing across the road, with rapid shots echoing through the night. Lakhi also posted that Harjit Singh Laddi, a Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) operative and one of India’s most wanted terrorists, has claimed responsibility for the shooting.
According to reports and Lakhi’s post, Laddi was allegedly offended by a remark made by Sharma in the past. Laddi, associated with the banned separatist group BKI, has a long history of extremist activity. He is currently on the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) most wanted list in India. NDTV reported that Laddi cited personal offense as the motive for the attack. Authorities believe the act was a targeted warning.
The comedian has not yet issued an official statement, but sources say investigations are underway by both Canadian and Indian agencies. Fortunately, no one was injured in the attack. The café was reportedly closed at the time of the shooting, and staff had left the premises earlier in the evening. However, the brazen act of violence has raised questions about public safety and law enforcement in the region.
Kap’s Café had just opened over the weekend, making the incident an immediate blow to Sharma’s newest business venture. Sharma partnered with his wife, Ginny Chatrath, to launch the restaurant, hoping to connect with the growing Indian population in Canada. The café was expected to be a major hit, given Sharma’s massive fan following among Indian and South Asian communities worldwide.
Many fans saw the café as a creative extension of the comedian’s brand, known for bringing humor and warmth to audiences for over a decade. The attack comes at a time when Sharma is already under public scrutiny. His Netflix talk show, The Great Indian Kapil Show, recently returned for a third season but has reportedly seen a 50% drop in viewership since the first season. Critics have pointed to stale content and format fatigue as possible reasons for the decline.
Despite these challenges, Sharma has remained a beloved public figure. Fans across the globe have expressed their support, urging him to stay strong and prioritize safety. Local police in Surrey have launched a full investigation into the shooting. They are also working in coordination with national agencies to verify the claim made by Laddi. So far, no arrests have been made.
Authorities have appealed to the public for any information or leads. Surveillance footage from nearby shops is being reviewed for additional evidence. The Indian High Commission in Canada has reportedly been informed, and Indian authorities are expected to follow up on the case, given the cross-border terrorism link.
