July 11, 2025 – A brazen shooting at Kap’s Cafe, the newly opened restaurant owned by beloved Indian comedian Kapil Sharma and his wife Ginni Chatrath, has sent shockwaves through the Indian diaspora in Surrey, British Columbia. The attack, which occurred late Wednesday night on July 9, 2025, was claimed by Harjit Singh Laddi, a Germany-based operative of the banned Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and one of India’s most wanted terrorists. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the incident has raised serious concerns about Khalistani extremism and the safety of Indian businesses in Canada. Here’s everything you need to know about this alarming even

The Attack on Kap’s Cafe: What Happened?

Just days after its grand opening on July 7, 2025, Kap’s Cafe in Surrey, British Columbia, was targeted in a violent shooting. Reports indicate that nine gunshots were fired at the cafe’s exterior from a moving vehicle, with a viral video circulating on social media capturing the assailant’s actions before their escape. The Surrey Police Service (SPS) responded promptly, arriving at the scene around 1:50 a.m. local time, sealing off the area, and collecting surveillance footage and forensic evidence to identify the perpetrators. At least 10 bullet holes were found in the cafe’s windows, with one pane shattered and damage extending to nearby buildings.livemint.comndtv.com

Kap’s Cafe, Kapil Sharma’s first venture into the restaurant industry, had quickly become a cultural hub for the Indian community, celebrated for its chic pastel decor and vibrant atmosphere. The attack has disrupted operations, leaving uncertainty about when the cafe will reopen.

Harjit Singh Laddi: The Khalistani Terrorist Behind the Attack

Harjit Singh Laddi, a notorious operative of the pro-Khalistan terrorist group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), claimed responsibility for the attack in a social media post. Operating from Germany, Laddi is on India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) most-wanted list, with a ₹10 lakh reward for information leading to his arrest. He is accused of orchestrating the April 13, 2024, murder of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Vikas Prabhakar in Nangal, Punjab, and has been linked to attacks on Shiv Sena leaders and funding terrorism abroad.indiatimes.comnews.abplive.com

Laddi, along with an associate named Toofan Singh, cited alleged remarks by Kapil Sharma about Nihang Sikhs’ attire on The Great Indian Kapil Show as the motive for the attack. Laddi claimed he attempted to contact Sharma’s manager about the remarks but received no response. Canadian authorities have not yet verified these claims, and the exact motive remains under investigation.theprint.inhindustantimes.com

Khalistani Extremism and Canada’s Security Challenges

The attack on Kap’s Cafe has reignited concerns about Khalistani terrorist activities in Canada, a persistent issue raised by Indian authorities. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) recently confirmed that Khalistani extremists use Canada as a base for planning violent acts against India, including fundraising and recruitment. This incident follows a history of strained India-Canada relations, notably the 2023 controversy over the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau linked to “Indian agents.” Relations have slightly improved under new Prime Minister Mark Carney, but this shooting risks further tensions.business-standard.comtelegraphindia.com

BKI, the group linked to Laddi, is infamous for the 1985 Air India Flight 182 bombing, which killed 329 people, and the assassination of Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh. The attack on Kap’s Cafe is seen as part of a broader pattern of Khalistani-linked violence, including extortion rackets targeting South Asian businesses in British Columbia.telegraphindia.comtribuneindia.com

Community Reaction and Social Media Buzz

The Indian diaspora in Canada has expressed shock and outrage, with community leaders calling for stronger protection for Indian-owned businesses. On X, users like @RiteshLakhiCA and @DanielBordmanOG condemned the attack, highlighting Laddi’s terrorist affiliations and urging Canadian authorities to act swiftly. Some speculate the shooting may be part of an extortion scheme, while others believe it was a targeted act against Kapil Sharma. These claims remain unconfirmed, and authorities are investigating all possible motives.

Kapil Sharma, known for his Netflix show The Great Indian Kapil Show, has not yet issued a public statement. His wife, Ginni Chatrath, a key partner in the cafe venture, recently shared a video thanking customers for their support, highlighting the cafe’s warm reception before the attack. The silence from the cafe’s social media accounts has only fueled public concern.tribuneindia.com

Ongoing Investigation and Broader Implications

The Surrey Police are leading the investigation, focusing on Laddi’s involvement, potential accomplices, and possible extortion motives. Canadian authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and collaborating with Indian intelligence agencies to track Laddi’s network. The NIA has previously charged Laddi and BKI chief Wadhawa Singh with orchestrating cross-border terrorism, including attacks on Shiv Sena leaders in Punjab.timesofindia.indiatimes.comindiatimes.com

This incident underscores the vulnerability of the Indian diaspora in Canada and raises questions about the effectiveness of local law enforcement in combating transnational terrorism. The Indian government is likely to press Canada for stronger measures against Khalistani extremists, especially as such attacks threaten the safety of high-profile Indian figures abroad.greaterkashmir.com

What’s Next for Kap’s Cafe?

The shooting has cast a shadow over Kap’s Cafe, which was poised to become a cultural landmark for the Indian community in Surrey. As investigations continue, fans and supporters await Kapil Sharma’s response and hope for justice. The incident highlights the urgent need for enhanced security for Indian businesses abroad and greater international cooperation to counter terrorism.

For the latest updates on the Kap’s Cafe shooting, Kapil Sharma’s response, and the ongoing investigation, stay tuned to credible news sources. Join the conversation on social media to support the Indian diaspora and demand action against such attacks.