Leaders from the Hindu community in Surrey, Canada, are planning a public forum to address the “current law and order situation” in the Lower Mainland, as reported by Global News. This initiative by the Vedic Hindu Cultural Society of British Columbia follows warnings from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) about an extortion racket targeting local business owners. Additionally, a shooting incident on December 27, seemingly aimed at the home of the society’s president’s son, has heightened concerns.
The president, Satish Kumar, expressed the community’s anxiety, stating, “The community is very scared right now.” Kumar noted instances of people receiving threatening phone calls and letters, with some reportedly complying with the demands. Despite his family not receiving such communications, Kumar emphasized the heightened fear within the community.
The shooting incident in December at Kumar’s son’s family home, while not accompanied by extortion threats, has added to the overall sense of unease. Kumar, a business owner and president of the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir temple, stressed the impact on his family and the broader community, prompting the call for the public forum in Surrey.
Despite recent arrests announced by Surrey RCMP, Kumar remains unsettled, and he expressed that his family members are afraid to leave their home. He revealed, “My children are afraid, my mom and dad are very afraid, you know, they don’t want me leaving the house.”
The situation echoes previous warnings by police in Abbotsford and RCMP in November regarding threatening letters demanding “protection money” circulating within the South Asian business community. The letters, linked to organized crime groups in the Punjab region, stipulated a month for compliance or face retaliation, with a warning against involving the police.
The intimidation tactics include voice messages, missed calls, and, in some instances, gunshots targeting homes. The affected community members, fearing for their safety, are grappling with the uncertainty surrounding these extortion schemes. Investigations are ongoing in multiple provinces, including British Columbia, Ontario, and Alberta, with law enforcement agencies coordinating efforts.
Recent developments in Surrey involve arrests related to extortion attempts, though charges are pending. Meanwhile, Edmonton police are investigating 18 extortion incidents, including arson and drive-by shootings, with arrests made in connection with these crimes. The escalation of violence and property damage is a significant concern for law enforcement.
India’s External Affairs Ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, expressed serious concern about the well-being of the Indian community in Canada during a regular media briefing in New Delhi. The complex situation involving extortion, violence, and escalating threats continues to unfold, requiring coordinated efforts to ensure the safety and security of the affected communities.
