A 27-year-old man of Indian origin was shot dead in Canada’s Surrey city on Saturday evening in what authorities suspect to be a targeted attack linked to organised crime. The victim has been identified as Jasman Sekhon, according to an update released by the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) on Monday.

The incident took place at a townhouse complex in Surrey’s Sullivan Heights neighbourhood. Officers from the Surrey Police Service responded to reports of gunfire in the 15100 block of 60 Avenue at approximately 6:39 pm. Upon arrival, they found Sekhon suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators revealed that Sekhon had prior interactions with law enforcement and was believed to be involved in the drug trade. Early findings indicate that the killing was targeted and potentially linked to organised crime activities.

According to eyewitness accounts cited by local media, Sekhon was being pursued by a dark-coloured SUV before two suspects exited the vehicle and opened fire on him.

Roughly 15 minutes after the shooting, a blue Hyundai SUV was discovered fully engulfed in flames near 186th Street and 44 Avenue. Authorities are examining whether the burned vehicle is connected to the homicide, noting that such incidents are often associated with gang-related crimes.

Describing the incident as a “brazen shooting” in an otherwise quiet neighbourhood, IHIT spokesperson Sgt. Freda Fong said investigators are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the case and identify those involved.

Police have appealed to the public for assistance, urging anyone who was in the area between 6 pm and 7:30 pm or who may have relevant video footage to come forward.

The killing comes amid a surge in gun violence in Surrey, with local reports indicating at least four shooting incidents in the past 48 hours.