Indian-origin businessman shot dead outside Canada home

A 68-year-old Indian-origin businessman, Darshan Singh Sahsi, was shot dead while sitting in his car outside his home in Abbotsford, British Columbia, on Monday morning. Police have launched a homicide investigation and confirmed that the shooting appears to have been a targeted attack, which briefly placed nearby schools under lockdown.

Sahsi, originally from Ludhiana, Punjab, was the president of Canam International, a major clothing recycling company that he founded after immigrating to Canada in 1991. His son, Arpan, said the company has grown into one of the world’s largest clothing recyclers and employs hundreds of workers across North America.

According to the Abbotsford Police Department, officers responded to a report of gunfire in the 31300 block of Ridgeview Drive early Monday. When they arrived, they found a 68-year-old man inside a parked vehicle with life-threatening injuries. Despite lifesaving efforts by first responders, he succumbed to his wounds at the scene. Police confirmed that the incident was confined to a single vehicle and that the shooter had fled before officers arrived.

Initial findings suggest the gunman was waiting nearby in a parked car. When Sahsi entered his vehicle, the assailant opened fire and immediately fled the area. Investigators believe the attack was deliberate but have not yet determined the motive. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team has taken over the case and is working closely with local authorities to identify the suspect and piece together the sequence of events leading to the shooting.

A police spokesperson said it is too early to confirm whether the killing is linked to recent extortion attempts targeting members of the South Asian business community in parts of British Columbia. However, authorities have not ruled out the possibility. Officers are reviewing nearby surveillance footage and asking witnesses or anyone with dashcam recordings from the area between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. to come forward with information.

The murder has caused shock and concern within the Indian-origin community, many of whom have faced intimidation and threats in recent months. Community members have urged authorities to take swift action and ensure the safety of business owners who have been subject to harassment or extortion schemes.

Sahsi’s son, Arpan, said the family is struggling to comprehend the tragedy and that his father had never received any threats or been involved in disputes. He described his father as a kind-hearted, generous man who went out of his way to help others and contributed to several charitable initiatives in both Canada and India. “Of course, we’re devastated because it does not make sense to us,” he said. “There were no threats, there was no blackmail, there was no extortion.”

Arpan also revealed that he normally accompanied his father to work every day and was meant to be with him on the morning of the shooting. “I usually went to work with him every day, so I was supposed to be in that truck today,” he said, calling it a chilling reminder of how unpredictable the tragedy was.

Friends and associates have expressed grief and disbelief at the loss of a man they described as respected, hardworking, and deeply devoted to his community. Many shared tributes on social media, recalling Sahsi’s dedication to providing jobs and his commitment to sustainable business practices through textile recycling. They also praised his philanthropy, noting that he often helped new immigrants find employment and settle in the region.

Sahsi’s journey from Punjab to Canada more than three decades ago reflected a story of perseverance and success. He started Canam International with only a handful of employees and gradually built it into a large-scale enterprise recognized globally for its recycling operations. His work helped position Abbotsford as a hub for environmentally conscious business initiatives, and his leadership earned him respect across both business and community circles.

Police have yet to release details about the suspect or the vehicle involved in the shooting. They have appealed to residents in the Ridgeview Drive area to check their security cameras for any suspicious activity. Investigators continue to treat the case as a targeted killing but have emphasized that it is too early to conclude whether the motive was personal, financial, or connected to broader organized activity.

The Abbotsford Police Department and the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team have assured the public that additional updates will be shared as the investigation progresses. Meanwhile, the local community continues to mourn the loss of a respected entrepreneur and humanitarian whose sudden death has left a deep void.