On the night of July 9, 2025, Kap’s Cafe, a newly opened venture by renowned Indian comedian Kapil Sharma in Surrey, British Columbia, was targeted in a shocking shooting incident. The attack, which involved nine rounds fired at the cafe’s windows, caused property damage but no injuries. Harjit Singh Laddi, a Germany-based operative of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), claimed responsibility, citing offensive remarks made about Nihang Sikhs on The Kapil Sharma Show as the motive. This incident has raised concerns about the safety of Indian-origin businesses in Canada, the influence of Khalistani extremism, and the complexities of balancing freedom of expression with cultural sensitivities. This article provides an in-depth exploration of the event, its context, and its broader implications.
The Incident
Kap’s Cafe, located in the 8400 block of 120 Street in Surrey, opened its doors on July 4, 2025, aiming to be a hub of “warmth, community, and joy” through its coffee and ambiance. However, at approximately 1:50 AM on July 10, 2025, the Surrey Police Service (SPS) received reports of gunfire targeting the cafe. According to the SPS, the shots damaged the property while staff members were still inside, though fortunately, no one was injured. An unverified video circulating on social media captured the moment of the attack, showing a person firing at the cafe’s windows, amplifying public shock and outrage.
In a social media post, Harjit Singh Laddi, alongside another BKI operative, Toofan Singh, claimed responsibility for the attack. Laddi, a designated terrorist on India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) most-wanted list with a ₹10 lakh reward for his capture, stated that the shooting was retaliation for “humorous” remarks made on The Kapil Sharma Show about the traditional attire and conduct of Nihang Sikhs. He argued that the remarks were offensive, stating, “No religion or spiritual identity can be mocked under the guise of comedy.” Laddi further claimed that attempts to contact Sharma’s management to address the community’s concerns were ignored, escalating their response to violence.
Who is Harjit Singh Laddi?
Harjit Singh Laddi, a resident of Garpadhana village in Nawanshahr, Punjab, is a key operative of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), a proscribed terrorist organization in India, Canada, and several other countries. Operating from Germany, Laddi is accused of orchestrating multiple violent attacks in Punjab, including the April 2024 assassination of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Vikas Prabhakar and the murder of a confectionary shop owner in Nangal, Roopnagar, in April 2024. Under the direction of Pakistan-based BKI chief Wadhawa Singh Babbar, Laddi is alleged to recruit operatives, arrange arms, and provide logistical and financial support for terror activities aimed at destabilizing Punjab.
Laddi’s involvement in the Kap’s Cafe attack has heightened concerns about the global reach of Khalistani extremism. Indian intelligence sources suggest the attack may be part of a broader ISI-backed conspiracy, with Canada’s perceived inaction on Khalistani operatives emboldening such acts. The NIA and Punjab Police have previously linked Laddi to a BKI cell busted in Ludhiana in 2023, highlighting his active role in transnational terrorism.
The Nihang Sikh Controversy
Nihang Sikhs, a revered martial order within Sikhism, are known for their distinctive blue attire, traditional weapons like the kirpan, and adherence to Sikh martial practices. Laddi claimed that a segment on The Kapil Sharma Show featured a character in Nihang attire making “humorous” remarks about their conduct, which he deemed disrespectful to Sikh spiritual traditions. He stated, “These were considered to be offensive and hurt the religious sentiments of the community.”
The specific episode in question has not been publicly identified, and there is no official confirmation from Sharma or his team regarding the remarks. Posts on X reflect divided sentiments, with some users, like @JusticeNow7, condemning the attack while urging sensitivity toward religious communities, and others, like @TennisLover23, questioning the validity of Laddi’s claims without concrete evidence. The lack of a public apology from Sharma, as demanded by Laddi, has fueled the controversy, though it remains unclear whether the remarks were intentional or misinterpreted.
Kap’s Cafe Response and Community Impact
In an emotional Instagram post on July 11, 2025, Kap’s Cafe condemned the violence, stating, “We opened Kap’s Cafe with hopes of bringing warmth, community, and joy through delicious coffee and friendly conversation. To have violence intersect with that dream is heartbreaking. We are processing this shock but we are not giving up.” The statement thanked supporters for their “kind words, prayers, and memories” and ended with a call to “stand firm against violence” and a hashtag, #supportkapscafecanada.
The attack has stunned the Indian diaspora in Canada, particularly in Surrey, home to a significant Sikh population. The incident has sparked debates about the safety of Indian-origin business owners and the influence of Khalistani extremism in Canada. X posts, such as @GurugramVoice’s comment, “This is a wake-up call for Canada to address Khalistani terror networks,” reflect growing frustration. Others, like @NewsJunkie9, cautioned against misinformation, noting the need for verified details about the attack’s motives.
Mumbai Police visited Sharma’s residence on July 11, 2025, to question him about the incident, indicating the seriousness of the situation and its implications for India-Canada relations. The attack has also drawn attention to Canada’s handling of Khalistani operatives, with Indian officials reiterating concerns about the country’s inaction on dossiers naming terrorists like Laddi.
Broader Implications
The Kap’s Cafe shooting raises critical questions about freedom of expression, cultural sensitivity, and the global reach of Khalistani terrorism. The attack underscores the challenges of balancing comedic content with respect for religious sentiments, particularly in diverse communities. While The Kapil Sharma Show is known for its lighthearted humor, the incident highlights how perceived slights can escalate into violence, especially when exploited by extremist groups like BKI.
The involvement of BKI, infamous for the 1985 Air India Flight 182 bombing that killed 329 people, amplifies concerns about the group’s resurgence. Indian intelligence agencies have warned of BKI’s efforts to destabilize Punjab through targeted killings and propaganda, often with alleged support from Pakistan’s ISI. The attack on Kap’s Cafe, a high-profile target linked to a beloved Indian celebrity, signals an escalation in BKI’s tactics, targeting the Indian diaspora to gain attention.
The incident also strains India-Canada relations, already tense due to differing approaches to Khalistani activism. India has repeatedly urged Canada to crack down on designated terrorists operating on its soil, but critics argue that Canada’s liberal policies have allowed figures like Laddi to operate with impunity. Posts on X, such as @SafetyFirstIN’s statement, “Canada’s inaction on Khalistani terrorists is endangering lives,” reflect this sentiment.
Moving Forward
The Surrey Police Service is investigating the attack, with early reports indicating it was a targeted act. Indian and Canadian authorities are under pressure to collaborate to address the threat posed by BKI and operatives like Laddi. The NIA’s ongoing efforts to track Laddi’s network, combined with the ₹10 lakh reward for his capture, underscore the urgency of apprehending him.
Kapil Sharma has not yet issued a personal statement, leaving the cafe’s Instagram post as the primary response. The lack of clarity about the alleged remarks on The Kapil Sharma Show complicates the narrative, with some X users calling for Sharma to address the controversy directly to prevent further escalation. The cafe’s team, however, remains resolute, emphasizing their commitment to fostering community despite the violence.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the intersections between cultural expression, religious sensitivities, and extremist violence. It calls for dialogue on how media and public figures navigate diverse audiences while highlighting the need for stronger international cooperation to combat terrorism. As Kap’s Cafe vows to continue its mission, the incident underscores the resilience of communities in the face of fear and division.