A prominent Indian Punjab-born businessman, Darshan Singh Sahsi, 68, was shot dead outside his house in Canada’s British Columbia on Tuesday in what police believe was a targeted attack.

According to Abbotsford Police, unidentified assailants opened fire on Sahsi as he stood near his truck parked in the driveway of his residence on Townline Road. He died on the spot after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds.

Police said they received reports of a shooting just after 9:20am (local time) and found Sahsi suffering from life-threatening injuries inside his vehicle. Despite immediate medical aid by first responders, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

Police confirm targeted attack; investigation on

The Abbotsford Police Patrol officers quickly secured the area, confirming the incident was confined to a single parked vehicle.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has now taken charge of the case. In a post on social media, IHIT said, “The shooting appears to be targeted, and the investigation is in the early stages.”

So far, no arrests have been made, and investigators are appealing for witnesses or anyone with surveillance footage from the area.

Family in grief: 'No threats, no blackmail'

Speaking to CBC News, Sahsi’s son Arpan confirmed his father’s identity and expressed disbelief over the tragedy.

“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.”

Shootings linked to extortion and gang activity have become increasingly common in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia, where Abbotsford is located. However, this marks only the second instance of a murder this year — the previous being the June 11 killing of businessman Satwinder Sharma.

Sahsi was widely respected as a successful businessman and philanthropist. He was the founder of Canam International, one of the world’s leading recyclers of clothing.

Before moving to Vancouver in 1991, Sahsi owned a brick kiln in Rajgarh village near Doraha in Punjab. Over the years, he expanded his business operations globally, including a plant in Kandla, Gujarat, and a recycling facility in Panipat.

Deeply involved in Punjabi literary, cultural circles

Beyond business, Sahsi was known for his commitment to Punjabi language and culture. Since 2012, he had served as a patron of the Punjabi Sahit Akademi, Ludhiana, supporting numerous cultural and literary initiatives.

“This is not just a personal loss — it’s a loss for Punjab’s identity abroad,” said Gurbhajan Singh Gill, former president of the Akademi. “Darshan Singh Sahsi represented the best of Punjabi values — hard work, humility, and community spirit.”

Family members and friends in Ludhiana and Doraha expressed deep grief upon hearing the news. “He was more than a businessman — he was a bridge between Punjab and the Punjabi diaspora,” said a close family friend.

Several cultural and business organisations in Ludhiana have condemned the killing and urged Indian and Canadian authorities to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation.

Meanwhile, Sahsi’s relatives in Punjab are coordinating with Indian diplomatic officials in Canada to have his body repatriated for last rites in his native village.