Indian-Origin Man Fatally Shot in Burnaby Amid Suspected Gang Violence Links
In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, a 28-year-old Indian-origin man was gunned down in a targeted shooting in Burnaby, Canada. The victim, identified as Dilraj Singh Gill, a resident of Vancouver, succumbed to his injuries at the scene despite immediate life-saving efforts by first responders.
Details of the Targeted Shooting Incident
The shooting occurred during the evening rush hour, shortly before 5:30 pm, near the 3700 block of Canada Way, close to Boundary Road. Burnaby Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers responded to multiple reports of gunfire and discovered Gill suffering from critical gunshot wounds in what is believed to be a gas station parking lot.
Authorities have confirmed that the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has taken over the probe from the Burnaby RCMP. Investigators have stated that the shooting was not random and appears to be connected to British Columbia province's protracted gang violence, which has been ongoing for years.
Police Investigation and Gang Connections
Around the same time as the shooting, a vehicle was reported on fire a few blocks away near Royal Oak Avenue and Deer Lake Park. Police are actively examining whether this burning vehicle is connected to the shooting and may have been used as a getaway car in the incident.
Police and court records reveal that Dilraj Singh Gill had a prior history involving drug-related offences. In late 2022, the Abbotsford Police launched a major narcotics investigation targeting him specifically. Investigators have linked him to the former Kang or Brothers in Blood Organization faction, which was previously aligned against rival groups in British Columbia's long-running gang conflict.
Authorities' Response and Public Appeal
IHIT Sergeant Freda Fong emphasized the collaborative nature of the investigation, stating, "Homicide investigators are working closely with Burnaby RCMP, the Lower Mainland District Integrated Forensic Identification Service and the BC Coroners Service to gather evidence."
Authorities have made a public appeal for witnesses, dashcam footage, or any information that could assist the ongoing investigation. They have underlined that the killing appears to have been targeted, based on the evidence gathered so far. No arrests have been announced at this time, and the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Broader Context of Gang Violence in British Columbia
This murder adds to a concerning series of gang-related homicides in the region involving individuals of South Asian origin. British Columbia has witnessed persistent violence linked to rival factions and shifting alliances within organized crime networks. The province has been grappling with escalating gang conflicts that have resulted in multiple fatalities over recent years.
The targeted nature of this shooting, combined with the victim's known associations and the simultaneous vehicle fire, suggests a calculated execution rather than a random act of violence. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing organized crime and gang-related activities in the region.
As the investigation continues, authorities are piecing together the circumstances surrounding Gill's death while working to identify and apprehend those responsible for this violent crime.
