Bishnoi 'foot soldier' held in Canada for shooting and arson

NEW DELHI: An alleged member of Lawrence Bishnoi gang was arrested by Canadian police in connection with a shooting incident at popular Punjabi singer AP Dhillon's home on Victoria Island, Canada. He was identified as 25-year-old Abhijeet Kingra of Winnipeg, Manitoba.

An arrest warrant has been issued against Vikram Sharma, 23, the second suspect who Canadian authorities believe fled to India after the incident. Canadian police said that they did not have an image of Sharma but issued a description. "Vikram Sharma is a South Asian man, standing 5'9" tall and weighing around 200 pounds (about 90 kg). He has black hair and brown eyes," it said.

The incident, which took place on September 1 night, involved multiple shots fired at Dhillon's residence and two vehicles being set ablaze. A circulating point of view video showed a man firing an automatic pistol outside the house at night.

The shooting had occurred shortly after the release of Dhillon's latest music video, 'Old Money', which featured Salman Khan. TOI had earlier reported that Bishnoi's aide, Rohit Godara, had claimed responsibility for the firing incident as he had asked Dhillon to not sign up for gigs with Salman Khan.

Canadian police said that Kingra was arrested in Ontario on Oct 30. "He has been charged in connection with recklessly discharging a firearm into a residence as well as setting fire to two vehicles..." He will be presented before court on Friday.

Godara, was last known to have shuttled between Portugal and Azerbaijan but is suspected to have escaped to the US through the donkey route. Interpol had issued a red corner notice against him in Dec last year following a request from Indian law enforcement agencies.


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