Indian-Origin Businessman Darshan Singh Sahsi: The Tragic Killing That Shocked Canada’s Punjabi Diaspora
The assassination of Indian-origin entrepreneur Darshan Singh Sahsi in Abbotsford, British Columbia has sent shockwaves through both Canada and India. A self-made businessman and philanthropist, Sahsi’s murder — allegedly orchestrated by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang — underscores the growing reach of organized crime within the Indian diaspora.
From Punjab to Canada: A Journey of Grit and Growth
Born in Rajgarh village in Ludhiana district, Punjab, Darshan Singh Sahsi migrated to Canada in 1991, seeking better prospects. Like many immigrants, he began with humble jobs before finding his footing in the business world.
His turning point came when he bought stakes in a struggling textile recycling firm, Canam International. Under his leadership, the company evolved into a successful multinational enterprise known for promoting sustainable textile recycling — reusing and mechanically processing old fabrics to build a circular textile economy.
Headquartered in British Columbia, Canam International expanded to India’s Kandla region in Gujarat, linking supply chains between North America and South Asia. Sahsi was admired in local business circles for maintaining a transparent, environmentally conscious model, and for creating jobs within Canada’s immigrant community.
Beyond business, he was involved in social service and philanthropy, funding local projects in both Canada and Punjab. Friends described him as “humble, disciplined, and community-minded.”
The Morning of the Attack
On the morning of October 27, 2025, at around 9:22 a.m., residents of Abbotsford were jolted by the sound of gunfire. Sahsi was leaving his home and entering his vehicle when a gunman, reportedly waiting across the street, opened fire at close range before fleeing in another car.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, but Sahsi succumbed to his injuries. The incident prompted three nearby schools to go into lockdown as police launched an intensive search for the assailant.
The brazen nature of the daylight attack shocked the peaceful suburban community — Abbotsford is not typically associated with gang violence.
The Bishnoi Gang’s Claim of Responsibility
Within hours, a chilling post appeared on social media. A man identifying himself as Goldy Dhillon, believed to be associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, claimed responsibility for Sahsi’s killing.
According to the post, the gang alleged that Sahsi had ties to the drug trade and had refused to pay extortion money. The claims have not been verified by authorities, and investigators in Canada have not confirmed any criminal record or illicit involvement on Sahsi’s part.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) of British Columbia has taken charge of the case. Canadian law enforcement is coordinating with Indian agencies, given the cross-border links of the Bishnoi gang — known for high-profile crimes in India, including alleged involvement in the Sidhu Moosewala murder.
The Bishnoi Network in Canada
The Lawrence Bishnoi syndicate has long been active in India’s northern states, but recent investigations suggest that the network’s reach may have extended into Canada’s Punjabi community, exploiting diaspora connections for extortion and money laundering.
Several Indian-origin businessmen in Canada have reported threats and ransom demands from individuals claiming affiliation with Bishnoi or related groups.
Canadian authorities have acknowledged that organized crime groups — many tied to South Asian communities — are becoming more sophisticated, using encrypted communication and offshore coordination to target wealthy expatriates.
The Impact on the Punjabi Diaspora
The killing has cast a shadow over Canada’s vibrant Punjabi business community, particularly in British Columbia, which houses one of the largest Sikh populations outside India.
In Ludhiana, Sahsi’s relatives expressed devastation, recalling his generosity and commitment to supporting education for underprivileged children. “He went abroad with dreams and hard work — not to be gunned down like this,” a family member told local media.
Community leaders in both Canada and Punjab have urged authorities to intensify cooperation on transnational gang networks and to protect entrepreneurs who have become soft targets for extortion.
A Symbol of Both Aspiration and Alarm
Darshan Singh Sahsi’s life symbolized the immigrant dream — a story of perseverance, innovation, and success built from nothing. Yet his tragic death also exposes a darker side: the transnational criminal threats that have followed parts of India’s gang culture into North America.
As the investigation continues, many hope that justice for Sahsi will not only bring closure to his family but also prompt both India and Canada to act more decisively against the criminal networks that endanger the safety of honest immigrants abroad.
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