Key Points
- Kapil Sharma’s Canada-based ‘KAP’S CAFE’ was attacked in a late-night shooting; no injuries reported.
- Babbar Khalsa International terrorist Harjeet Singh Laddi claimed responsibility, citing an old statement by Sharma.
- Incident captured on CCTV; video circulating widely on social media.
- Confusion over property ownership—Mumbai Police clarify the attacked premises may not belong to Sharma.
- Canadian and Indian authorities have launched investigations; security heightened in both countries.
Mumbai: In a dramatic turn of events, Kapil Sharma’s recently inaugurated Canada-based café, ‘KAP’S CAFE’, was the target of a gun attack late Wednesday night (Canada time). The incident has sent shockwaves through both the Indian and Canadian communities, given Sharma’s immense popularity and the high-profile nature of his first overseas business venture.
Details of the Attack: Caught on Camera
According to eyewitness accounts and CCTV footage, a man exited a vehicle and fired approximately nine rounds at the café’s windows before fleeing the scene. The entire episode was captured by security cameras, and the footage has since gone viral on social media platforms, sparking widespread concern and debate.
Remarkably, no one was injured in the attack, which occurred after business hours. The café, which had celebrated a grand opening just weeks prior, was closed at the time, averting what could have been a major tragedy.
Terrorist Group Claims Responsibility
Shortly after the incident, Harjeet Singh Laddi a wanted terrorist affiliated with the banned Babbar Khalsa International group claimed responsibility via a social media post. Laddi, who has been on India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) most-wanted list for years, cited an unspecified old statement by Kapil Sharma as the motive behind the attack. The specifics of this statement remain unclear, and authorities are investigating whether Sharma was the intended target or if the attack was meant as a broader message.
Confusion Over Ownership and Motive
Mumbai Police and other Indian security agencies have clarified that the property attacked may not legally belong to Kapil Sharma, suggesting the possibility of mistaken identity or misinformation regarding the café’s ownership. Despite this, the association with Sharma has kept the incident in the media spotlight.
Ongoing Investigations in Canada and India
Canadian law enforcement agencies have launched a full-scale investigation, reviewing CCTV footage and seeking leads on the shooter’s identity and possible accomplices. Meanwhile, Indian authorities, including the NIA, have heightened their alert status, given Laddi’s history of involvement in communal violence, arms smuggling, and targeted killings.
Security experts note that the attack highlights the growing reach of transnational terror networks and the risks faced by high-profile Indian nationals abroad.
Background: Who is Harjeet Singh Laddi?
Harjeet Singh Laddi is a notorious member of Babbar Khalsa International, a group implicated in numerous terror plots and violent acts in India. Laddi has been accused of inciting communal hatred, orchestrating arms smuggling operations, and being involved in targeted killings. His claim of responsibility for the café attack has raised fresh alarms about the group’s activities in North America.
Community and Official Reactions
The Indian diaspora in Canada has expressed shock and concern over the incident, calling for increased protection of Indian-owned businesses and individuals. Kapil Sharma has not yet issued an official statement, but sources close to the comedian say he is in touch with authorities and monitoring the situation closely.
The shooting at ‘KAP’S CAFE’ underscores the complex security challenges faced by Indian celebrities and entrepreneurs abroad. With investigations ongoing in both Canada and India, authorities are working to determine the full scope of the threat and prevent further incidents. The episode serves as a stark reminder of the global reach of extremist networks and the importance of cross-border cooperation in combating such threats.
