Indian-Origin Man Fatally Shot in Burnaby, Canada; Police Suspect Gang Conflict Link
In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, a 28-year-old Indian-origin man was fatally shot in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. The victim has been identified as Dilraj Singh Gill, a resident of Vancouver, whose life was cut short in what authorities believe may be a targeted killing with connections to ongoing gang conflicts in the region.
Details of the Shooting Incident
The shooting occurred on January 22, 2026, just before 5:30 p.m., near the 3700 block of Canada Way. Burnaby RCMP frontline officers swiftly responded to reports of shots fired in the area. Upon arrival, they discovered Gill with gunshot wounds. Despite immediate and extensive life-saving efforts by emergency responders, the young man succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Police have confirmed that Gill was known to law enforcement, and preliminary investigations suggest the shooting appears to have a nexus to the BC Gang conflict. This revelation has heightened concerns about gang-related violence spilling into public spaces, posing a threat to community safety.
Burning Vehicle Linked to Homicide
Shortly after the shooting, officers located a vehicle engulfed in flames in the 5000 block of Buxton Street. Investigators from the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) have since confirmed that this burning vehicle is directly linked to the homicide. The discovery of the torched car has provided crucial evidence, though authorities are still piecing together the sequence of events.
Sgt. Freda Fong of IHIT emphasized the collaborative efforts underway, stating, Homicide investigators are working closely with the Burnaby RCMP, the Lower Mainland District Integrated Forensic Identification Service (IFIS), and the BC Coroners Service to collect evidence and advance the investigation. She further highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting that a shooting in a public place is extremely troubling for both police and the community at large.
Police Appeal for Witness Information
In their quest for justice, authorities are urgently appealing to the public for assistance. They are particularly interested in gathering information from witnesses or individuals who may have relevant footage. Key areas of interest include:
- Canada Way from Boundary Road to Willingdon Avenue
- Buxton Street near Royal Oak Avenue and Forglen Drive
Police are seeking dashcam or CCTV recordings from between 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM on January 22. Sgt. Fong stressed that information from witnesses and those in the area will be crucial in ensuring the investigation progresses and holding those responsible accountable.
Broader Context and Community Impact
This incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened gang activity in British Columbia, with recent developments such as Canada designating the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity underscoring the severity of the issue. The killing of Dilraj Singh Gill not only represents a personal tragedy for his family and friends but also raises alarms about the pervasive nature of gang violence affecting Indian diaspora communities abroad.
As the investigation continues, the Burnaby RCMP and IHIT remain committed to uncovering the truth behind this senseless act of violence. The community is urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement to help bring closure to this case and prevent future incidents.
