A newly opened cafe in Surrey, British Columbia, owned by comedian Kapil Sharma and his wife Ginni Chatrath, was vandalised in what Canadian authorities are treating as a targeted attack. The restaurant, known as Kaps Caffe and celebrated for its pink-and-white decor, floral accents, and artisan menu, had just completed a soft opening before being hit by late-night vandalism. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but the incident caused significant property damage. Investigators believe the assault was carried out by the so-called “Laddi gang,” which is alleged to have links to the banned Khalistani extremist group Babbar Khalsa International.
Suspected involvement centers on Harjit Singh—also known as Laddi—a Germany-based operative allegedly connected with BKI, who is regarded by Indian intelligence as a high-value extremist. Canadian law enforcement is investigating his role in orchestrating this attack. Laddi is currently wanted in India for multiple terror-related offenses and is believed to have masterminded violent acts targeting pro-India figures and Hindu leaders. He and his associate, Kulbeer Singh or “Sidhu,” are alleged to have planned and supplied weapons for the assassination of a prominent Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader in Punjab on April 13, 2024. Both figures face charges related to organising terror networks, recruiting operatives, and financing violent actions abroad.
The National Investigation Agency in India has placed a reward of ₹10 lakh (approximately USD 12,000) for information leading to Laddi’s arrest. In 2023, Punjab police dismantled another BKI cell in Ludhiana reportedly managed by Laddi and another extremist figure, leading to the arrests of four individuals involved in petrol-bombing the homes of Shiv Sena leaders. These developments underscore the transnational reach of Khalistani-linked extremist groups and their apparent shift toward coercion, extortion, and public messaging through violence.
Local Canadian authorities are now examining whether Kapil Sharma’s family or business had been subjected to threats or extortion attempts before the graffiti and vandalism took place. While the cafe’s inviting atmosphere had attracted significant attention in Surrey, the perpetrators appear to have singled it out due to the celebrity association and its Indian-origin ownership.
Kapil Sharma, a well-known figure in both Indian and overseas entertainment circles, has not yet released a public statement on the incident. The absence of a response may indicate ongoing coordination with law enforcement or a desire to avoid inflaming an already sensitive situation. Meanwhile, police are treating the case as a potential hate and politically motivated crime, given its apparent links to extremist causes.
This incident is being seen as symptomatic of a wider trend targeting Indian-origin businesses abroad, especially those associated with prominent personalities. Extremist groups with Khalistani ideologies have increasingly resorted to tactics ranging from threats to physical attacks and graffiti as a means of sending political messages. Law enforcement agencies on both sides of the Canada–India border are working to track these networks, disrupt plots, and safeguard diaspora communities.
Kaps Caffe is currently in the process of repairing the damage while security measures are being reviewed. Local officials and community leaders in Surrey have condemned the vandalism and pledged their support to the Sharma family. The city’s mayor has also called for calm and unity, emphasizing that acts of violence and intimidation have no place in Canadian society.
The cafe’s outreach to the local community included recent collaborations with cultural events and charitable initiatives. With doors recently opened, the establishment had drawn interest for its design, menu, and celebrity ownership, and it had hosted promotional events attended by local Indian diaspora members. Despite the damage, Sharma and Chatrath’s venture remains an important community hub, and many supporters have rallied to help restore the venue.
This event underscores complex security challenges for Indian-origin establishments in diaspora contexts, especially in the face of politically driven extremist threats. Authorities in Canada are stepping up intelligence-sharing with Indian counterparts, and federal agencies are reportedly tracking extremist-linked individuals operating transnationally. Investigators are also looking into whether legal measures can be invoked to address cross-border harassment and the planning of physical disruption on Canadian soil.
The unfolding scenario highlights both community resilience and the evolving nature of extremist threats. As Kaps Caffe begins cleanup and essential repairs, wider efforts are underway to promote awareness, strengthen civilian protection frameworks, and prevent future acts of intimidation. While the Sharma family has remained largely silent, the incident has initiated a wave of support from across communities in Surrey and beyond.
As investigations continue, law enforcement are urging the public to report any suspicious activity and remain vigilant. They also emphasise the importance of cultural solidarity, and the use of peaceful dialogue and democratic processes to challenge extremist ideologies. This event may be a serious warning, but it has also triggered a reaffirmation of unity and resolve in supporting immigrant entrepreneurial endeavors.
