Indian-Origin Vancouver Resident Fatally Shot in Burnaby, Gang Violence Escalates in British Columbia
In a tragic incident underscoring the escalating gang conflict in Canada's British Columbia region, a 28-year-old Indian-origin Vancouver resident, Dilraj Singh Gill, was shot dead in Burnaby last week. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) discovered Gill alive but with critical injuries at the scene; however, despite immediate efforts, he could not be saved.
Burning Vehicle Found at Crime Scene, Linked to Organized Gang Tactics
According to police reports, authorities also found a vehicle on fire near the shooting site, which they believe is directly related to the crime. Experts in criminal investigations suggest that setting fire to a getaway vehicle is a common tactic associated with organized gang violence in the province, often used to destroy evidence and hinder forensic analysis.
History of Drug-Related Convictions and Gang Affiliations
Reports indicate that Gill had a history of drug-related convictions, with the most recent occurring in 2021 when he received concurrent sentences for trafficking offences stemming from a 2018 arrest in North Vancouver. During that arrest, he was found in possession of cash, crack cocaine, and a heroin-fentanyl mixture. Additionally, Gill faced other charges, including fleeing police, dating back to 2016.
Local media sources suggest that Gill's murder might be connected to the recent killing of Navpreet Dhaliwal earlier this month in Abbotsford. Dhaliwal, also 28 years old, was allegedly a member of the Brothers Keepers gang and was out on bail for murder conspiracy charges at the time of his death. Gill, on the other hand, is being linked to the Kang/BIBO group, which has a longstanding rivalry with the Brothers Keepers gang and has recently merged with the UN gang.
Rising Gang Conflict in the Region: A Pattern of Violence
There has been a noticeable increase in gang-related killings in the region, with several high-profile cases involving individuals of Indian origin. In December, Gurdeep Singh (27) and Ranveer Singh (18) were shot dead in Edmonton while en route to a party. Prior to that, businessman Satwinder Sharma was fatally shot in British Columbia, with Indian-origin gangster Jiwan Fauji, allegedly part of the Babbar Khalsa group, claiming responsibility.
Another businessman, MP Dhanoa, was shot down in Ontario, and members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang reportedly claimed responsibility on social media. This gang has been involved in multiple shootings across Canada, including incidents at the residences of celebrities AP Dhillon in Vancouver in September 2024 and Gippy Grewal in the same city in September 2023.
Government Designation and Extortion Rings
In September 2025, the Canadian government officially designated the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity, citing its involvement in activities such as murder, shootings, and arson to extort South Asian businesses. Many of these shootings are also linked to a massive extortion ring, where business owners receive demands for "protection money" via WhatsApp, followed by drive-by shootings if they refuse to comply.
This pattern of violence highlights the growing challenges faced by law enforcement in curbing organized crime and protecting communities in British Columbia and beyond.
