Who is behind attacks on Kapil Sharma’s restaurant in Canada, and why it was targeted

Comedian Kapil Sharma’s restaurant in Canada, Kap’s Café, has once again been targeted in a shooting—the third such attack since the café opened in July this year.

The latest incident occurred early Thursday morning around 3:45 a.m. at the café located at 85 Avenue and 120 Street in Surrey’s Newton neighborhood.

Who is claiming responsibility?

In a viral social media video, a man identifying himself as Kulvir Sidhu—allegedly linked to the notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi—claimed responsibility for the attack. Sidhu named another individual, Goldy Dhillon, as a co-conspirator.

In the video, Sidhu warned: “Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh. Today's firing at Kap’s Café, Surrey, was carried out by me, Kulvir Sidhu, and Goldy Dhillon... Those who owe us or cheat us will be warned. Bollywood individuals who speak against our religion should also be prepared—bullets can come from anywhere”.

This statement suggests that the attack may be tied to a broader campaign of intimidation and extortion involving figures from the Indian entertainment industry.

Is this extortion?

The Surrey Police Service (SPS) has not officially verified the authenticity of Sidhu’s claim but has acknowledged that the pattern of attacks bears “the earmarks of extortion.”

“This has the earmarks of extortion,” SPS spokesperson Ian MacDonald told CBC News. He confirmed that the Provincial Extortion Task Force is investigating the case along with local authorities.

So far, no injuries have been reported in any of the three incidents, although the latest shooting caused significant property damage. Staff were present inside the premises during the attack.

Why target Kapil Sharma?

While the exact motive remains unclear, the attack appears to be part of a larger extortion network allegedly run by operatives linked to Lawrence Bishnoi, who has been associated with multiple high-profile criminal activities in India and abroad. The gang has reportedly targeted several Indian celebrities and businessmen, either to extort money or issue threats tied to religious or ideological grievances.

There’s also speculation that the targeting of Kapil Sharma’s restaurant may be symbolic—intended to send a broader message to Bollywood figures and Indian nationals in Canada.

Previous incidents

This is the third attack on Kap’s Café:

July 10 – Shots were fired days after the café opened on July 4.

August 7 – Another round of gunfire caused window and structural damage.

October 16 – Multiple bullets were fired while staff were inside.

Despite these repeated attacks, Kapil Sharma and his team have yet to issue an official statement.

Wider context

Surrey has seen a troubling rise in gang-related extortion incidents, as per police, there have been at least 65 extortion cases and 35 related shootings in the city so far in 2025.

With inputs from PTI/ANI