Key Points
- Terror Threat After Attack: Comedian Kapil Sharma has received a direct threat from the Khalistani group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) following a shooting at his ‘Caps Cafe’ in Canada.
- SFJ Video Warning: SFJ chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannu accused Kapil Sharma of promoting Hindutva ideology and warned him to leave Canada.
- Security Fears Escalate: The threat comes days after gunmen, allegedly linked to banned terror outfits, fired at the cafe.
- Religious Insult Allegations: Attackers claimed the shooting was retaliation for perceived insults to Sikh religious figures on Kapil’s show.
- Ongoing Investigation: Canadian authorities and Indian agencies are probing the incident and the subsequent threats, amid rising concerns for the safety of Indian-origin celebrities abroad.
New Delhi: In a shocking incident, Kapil Sharma’s ‘Caps Cafe’ in Canada came under attack when unidentified assailants opened fire at the premises. The shooting, which occurred just days ago, sent shockwaves through the Indian diaspora and raised immediate concerns about the safety of Indian businesses and celebrities in Canada. While no injuries were reported, the brazen nature of the attack has put Kapil Sharma and his team on high alert.
The Threat: SFJ Issues Video Warning
Shortly after the shooting, Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, the head of the Khalistani separatist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), released a video targeting Kapil Sharma. In the video, Pannu accused the comedian of using his investments in Canada to promote Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindutva agenda. He warned Kapil and other “Hindu brand investors” that Canada is not their “playground” and accused them of bringing “blood money” into the country. Pannu demanded that Kapil Sharma return to India, vowing not to let the “violent ideology of Hindutva” take root in Canada, even under the guise of business.
Pannu also questioned Kapil’s patriotism, pointing out that while he often raises slogans like “Mera Bharat Mahaan” and supports Modi’s policies, he chooses to invest abroad rather than in India.
Motive Behind the Attack: Religious Insult Allegations
The attack on Caps Cafe was allegedly orchestrated by Harjeet Singh Laddi, a fugitive on India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) most-wanted list and reportedly associated with the banned terrorist group Babbar Khalsa International. Laddi and his associates claimed responsibility for the shooting, citing offense taken over jokes about Nihang Sikhs on The Kapil Sharma Show. They declared that “insulting religion in the name of comedy will not be tolerated,” framing the attack as retribution for perceived disrespect.
Kapil Sharma’s Response
In the aftermath, the management of Caps Cafe issued a statement via Instagram expressing their shock and pain over the attack. They reaffirmed their commitment to fighting terrorism, stating, “Although this attack has deeply hurt us and we are in shock, we will continue our fight against terrorism and will fight it at all costs.”
Security and Investigation Updates
The dual incidents the shooting and subsequent terror threat have prompted heightened security around Kapil Sharma and his business interests in Canada. Canadian law enforcement agencies are working in coordination with Indian authorities to investigate the attack, track down the perpetrators, and assess the credibility of the threats issued by SFJ.
The Bigger Picture: Rising Tensions for Indian Celebrities Abroad
This episode highlights the growing risks faced by Indian-origin celebrities and entrepreneurs in Canada, especially those perceived as supporting the Indian government’s policies. The incident has sparked debate about the reach of extremist groups and the need for stronger protection for overseas Indians.
The firing at Kapil Sharma’s cafe and the subsequent terrorist threat from SFJ have cast a shadow over the comedian’s international ventures. As investigations continue and security measures are ramped up, the case underscores the complex interplay of politics, diaspora dynamics, and the ongoing challenge of safeguarding freedom of expression in a globalized world.
