Kamal Ghorui
A 27-year-old man of Indian origin was shot dead in Canada’s Surrey city on Saturday night in what police believe was a targeted attack linked to organised crime.The victim was identified as Jasman Sekhon, according to an update issued on Monday by the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT).The shooting took place at a townhouse complex in Surrey’s Sullivan Heights neighbourhood. Surrey Police Service officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 15100 block of 60 Avenue at 6.39 pm.When officers arrived, they found Sekhon suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving measures, he died at the scene.IHIT said Sekhon had previous interactions with police and was believed to be involved in the drug trade. “Sekhon had previous interactions with the police and was believed to be involved in the drug trade. Early indications suggest this was a targeted incident related to organised crime,” the report said, quoting the IHIT’s statement.Witnesses told local media that Sekhon was being chased by a dark SUV before two men got out and started shooting at him.About 15 minutes after the shooting, a blue Hyundai SUV was found fully engulfed in flames near 186th Street and 44 Avenue in Surrey. Investigators are working to determine whether the burning vehicle is connected to the homicide.A burning vehicle was found nearby after the shooting incident, which police say is the hallmark of gang killings.“This was a brazen shooting in what is usually a quiet neighbourhood,” Sgt Freda Fong with IHIT said in a statement, as quoted by Global News.“Investigators are working diligently to determine the circumstances surrounding the homicide and identifying all parties involved.”Police are asking anyone who was in either area between 6 pm and 7.30 pm on Saturday, or anyone with video evidence, to come forward.The killing comes amid a spike in gun violence in Surrey, where local reports said there have been four shootings in the past 48 hours.
