A quiet street in Surrey, British Columbia, became the latest flashpoint in a disturbing and deadly trend. On January 14, 2026, Binder Garcha, a well-known Punjabi-Canadian entrepreneur who ran a wedding photography and videography business, was shot dead in what police are treating as a targeted attack . This marks the third killing of a Punjabi businessman in the Greater Vancouver area in less than a year—a chilling pattern that has left the local South Asian community gripped by fear and demanding answers.
The incident unfolded in broad daylight, sending shockwaves through Surrey’s large Punjabi population. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots before seeing suspects flee in a vehicle that was later discovered torched just blocks away—a grim signature that has appeared in previous high-profile shootings in the region . As investigators from the RCMP work to piece together the motive, one question looms large: Is this another chapter in Canada’s escalating gang conflict, and why are Punjabi businessmen seemingly in the crosshairs?
Table of Contents
- The Latest Victim: Binder Garcha and His Business
- A Troubling Pattern: Punjabi Businessman Killed in Canada
- The Surrey Gang Violence Crisis Explained
- Community Reaction: Fear and Outrage
- What Authorities Are Doing to Respond
- Conclusion
- Sources
The Latest Victim: Binder Garcha and His Business
Friends and family describe Binder Garcha as a hardworking and respected member of the community. His business, which specialized in capturing weddings and cultural events, was a fixture at Punjabi celebrations across the Lower Mainland. He was known for his professionalism and dedication, with no known ties to criminal activity.
His sudden and violent death has not only devastated his loved ones but also shattered the sense of security many immigrant entrepreneurs felt in their adopted home. “He was just trying to build a life here,” said a close friend, speaking on condition of anonymity due to safety concerns. “This could happen to anyone now.”
A Troubling Pattern: Punjabi Businessman Killed in Canada
Garcha’s murder is not an isolated event. It follows two other high-profile killings in the past eight months:
- May 2025: A successful real estate broker was fatally shot outside his office in Delta.
- September 2025: An auto parts store owner was gunned down in his Surrey shop.
While police have not officially linked all three cases, the similarities are impossible to ignore: all victims were middle-aged Punjabi men, all were legitimate business owners, and all were killed in brazen, execution-style attacks. This has led many in the community to believe they are being deliberately targeted, possibly for extortion, perceived affiliations, or as part of a broader intimidation campaign by rival gangs .
The Surrey Gang Violence Crisis Explained
Surrey has long been a focal point of British Columbia’s gang problem, which is deeply intertwined with the international drug trade, particularly fentanyl trafficking. Law enforcement agencies have identified several factions vying for control, including groups with alleged links to transnational organized crime networks.
According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), these gangs often use violence to enforce debts, eliminate rivals, or send messages. Legitimate businesses can become targets if they are seen as sources of easy cash or if owners are mistakenly (or correctly) believed to have connections to the underworld.
The use of a burnt vehicle as a getaway car is a common tactic to destroy forensic evidence, further complicating investigations and signaling a level of sophistication that alarms both police and residents .
Community Reaction: Fear and Outrage
The Punjabi community in Surrey is reeling. Local temples (gurdwaras) and community centers have become hubs for anxious meetings, with families sharing security tips and demanding stronger police protection. Many are now afraid to open their shops or attend public events.
“We came here for a better life, for safety, for our children,” said a community leader. “Now we feel like we’re living in a war zone.” There is also a growing sense of frustration with authorities, who some feel have been slow to acknowledge the specific threat facing their community. Calls are mounting for a dedicated task force and increased resources to combat this wave of violence [INTERNAL_LINK:south-asian-diaspora-safety].
What Authorities Are Doing to Respond
In response to the public outcry, the RCMP has launched a major investigation into Garcha’s murder, with detectives from its Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) leading the probe. They have appealed to the public for dashcam footage and any information about the burnt vehicle.
Meanwhile, local politicians, including Surrey’s mayor, have pledged to increase police presence in commercial districts and review existing gang prevention strategies. However, experts warn that without addressing the root causes—such as the lucrative drug trade and the flow of illegal firearms—these tragic incidents may continue.
Conclusion
The killing of Binder Garcha is more than just another entry in a crime log; it’s a symptom of a deepening crisis in one of Canada’s most vibrant immigrant communities. The repeated targeting of Punjabi businessmen has created an atmosphere of terror that threatens the social and economic fabric of Surrey. As the investigation into this latest Punjabi businessman killed in Canada continues, the community’s plea is clear: they need action, not just condolences. Their sense of safety—and their trust in the institutions meant to protect them—hangs in the balance.
Sources
- Times of India: Punjabi bizman shot dead in Canada: 3rd incident in 8 months
- Global News: Coverage of Surrey gang violence and recent shootings
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP): Official statements on integrated homicide investigations
- Vancouver Sun: Reporting on the impact of gang violence on Surrey’s South Asian community