Kapil Sharma’s Cafe Shooting in Canada: Khalistani Threat Tests PM Carney’s National Security.
Introduction On July 10, 2025, Kap’s Café, a newly opened restaurant owned by Indian comedian Kapil Sharma and his wife Ginni Chatrath in Surrey, British Columbia, was targeted in a shocking shooting incident. At approximately 1:50 a.m. local time, at least nine bullets were fired at the café’s windows, leaving bullet holes and shattered glass but no injuries.
The attack, claimed by Harjit Singh Laddi, a Germany-based operative of the banned Khalistani terror group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), has sent shockwaves through the Indian diaspora and raised serious concerns about escalating extremism in Canada. Laddi, a most-wanted fugitive on India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) list, cited offensive remarks about Nihang Sikhs on The Kapil Sharma Show as the motive for the attack.This incident marks a significant escalation in Khalistani-linked violence in Canada, posing the first major national security test for Canada’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Mark Carney. Canadian journalist Daniel Bordman described the attack as a sign of “full-blown terrorism posted online,” comparing the situation to lawless regions like Yemen or Somalia. With Canada’s history of grappling with Khalistani extremism and strained India-Canada relations, the shooting has put Carney’s leadership under scrutiny. This article explores the incident, its implications for Canada’s national security, the Khalistani threat, and the broader context of extremism targeting Indian-origin personalities abroad.
The Incident: Shooting at Kap’s CaféDetails of the AttackKap’s Café, located at 8496 120 Street in Surrey’s Newton neighborhood, opened its doors on July 4, 2025, to much fanfare. The café, a passion project of Kapil Sharma and Ginni Chatrath, aimed to bring “warmth, community, and joy” through its offerings of coffee and Punjabi cuisine. Just six days after its grand opening, the café was targeted in a brazen attack. Surveillance footage captured a gunman, seated in a vehicle, firing multiple rounds at the café’s façade, with at least nine bullets striking the windows. Another window pane was shattered, and bullet holes were visible the following morning. Fortunately, no one was injured, though staff members were present inside the café at the time.
The Surrey Police Service (SPS) responded promptly, sealing off the area and launching an investigation. Staff Sergeant Lindsey Houghton, a spokesperson for SPS, confirmed the incident and noted that police were aware of reports in Indian media about a Khalistani separatist claiming responsibility. The investigation is exploring whether the attack was a targeted act of intimidation linked to pro-Khalistani extremism or a personal vendetta, though no suspect details have been released by Canadian authorities.
Kap’s Café ResponseOn July 11, 2025, Kap’s Café issued a heartfelt statement on Instagram, expressing shock and resilience in the face of the attack. The statement read:“We opened Kap’s Café with hopes of bringing warmth, community, and joy through delicious coffee and friendly conversation. To have violence intersect with that dream is heartbreaking. We are processing this shock but we are not giving up. Thank you for your support. Your kind words, prayers, and memories shared via DM mean more than you know. This café exists because of your belief in what we’re building together. Let’s stand firm against violence and ensure Kap’s Café remains a place of warmth and community. From all of us at Kap’s Café, thank you and see you soon, under better skies.”The café extended gratitude to the Surrey Police and Delta Police for their swift response and efforts to ensure safety. The statement, signed off with “hope and gratitude” and the hashtag #supportkapscafecanada, underscored the team’s determination to continue operations despite the attack.
The Khalistani Connection: Harjit Singh Laddi and Babbar Khalsa InternationalHarjit Singh Laddi’s ClaimHarjit Singh Laddi, a Germany-based operative of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), claimed responsibility for the attack in a social media post. Laddi, who is on the NIA’s most-wanted list with a ₹10 lakh reward for information leading to his capture, stated that the shooting was in retaliation for remarks made on The Kapil Sharma Show that allegedly mocked the attire and behavior of Nihang Sikhs. He wrote:“In an episode of Kapil Sharma’s comedy show, a character made some humorous remarks about the dress or behavior of Nihang Sikhs. These were considered to be offensive and hurt the religious sentiments of the community. This mockery is a mockery of Sikh spiritual traditions and the dignity of Nihang Sikhs. No religion or spiritual identity can be made fun of in the guise of comedy.”Laddi claimed he attempted to contact Kapil Sharma’s management to address the issue but was ignored, stating, “All our calls were ignored. If Kapil Sharma doesn’t apologise publicly…” The threat was left open-ended, raising fears of further escalation. Another BKI operative, Toofan Singh, was also named in connection with the attack, though details about his involvement remain unconfirmed.
Who Are the Nihang Sikhs?Nihang Sikhs are a distinctive martial order within Sikhism, known for their traditional blue attire, carrying of weapons, and adherence to historical Sikh martial practices. They hold significant cultural and religious importance within the Sikh community, and their traditions are deeply revered. Laddi’s claim that a comedy sketch on The Kapil Sharma Show mocked their attire has not been independently verified, and neither Kapil Sharma nor his team has commented on the specific remarks in question.
Babbar Khalsa International: A History of ViolenceBabbar Khalsa International, founded in 1978, is a designated terrorist organization in Canada, India, and several other countries. The group is infamous for its role in the 1985 Air India Flight 182 bombing, which killed 329 people, making it one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in aviation history. BKI has been linked to numerous targeted killings, bombings, and extortion rackets, particularly in Punjab and among the Indian diaspora abroad. Indian intelligence sources describe BKI as the most active ISI-backed Khalistani group in Canada, with a history of radicalization and anti-India propaganda.
Laddi, a key BKI operative, is wanted by the NIA for his alleged involvement in the April 2024 assassination of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Vikas Prabhakar in Punjab. He is believed to be hiding in DHA, Pakistan, and is closely associated with Wadhawa Singh, a senior BKI figure. The NIA has filed chargesheets against Laddi and others for a string of targeted killings and terror activities.
ISI-Backed Khalistani NetworkIndian intelligence sources have described the attack on Kap’s Café as part of a broader, Pakistan Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)-backed campaign to destabilize Indian interests overseas. Surrey, British Columbia, has emerged as a key operational hub for Khalistani terror and ideological activity, with groups like BKI and the banned Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) allegedly receiving covert support from ISI intermediaries. SFJ, which promotes the controversial “Referendum 2020” agenda, issued a threatening video warning Kapil Sharma to “take Hindutva money back to India,” further escalating tensions.Canadian and Indian intelligence agencies have noted the merging of Khalistani operatives with criminal gangs such as Brothers Keepers, Dhak-Duhre, and Punjabi Mafia in British Columbia. These gangs are allegedly involved in extortion, arms transport, and courier operations, often exploiting Indian-origin international students. India has repeatedly raised concerns about Canada’s inaction on dossiers naming Khalistani terrorists like Laddi, arguing that this leniency has emboldened such actors.
Canada’s National Security ChallengeMark Carney’s First TestThe shooting at Kap’s Café comes at a critical time for Canada’s new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, who assumed office in 2025. Carney, a former Bank of Canada governor, has faced criticism10% of the total word count.
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