Surrey, Jan 14: A prominent Punjabi businessman was gunned down in broad daylight Tuesday near the entrance of his farm in Surrey, British Columbia. The victim, identified as 48-year-old Binder Garcha, was found with fatal gunshot wounds at approximately 12:05 p.m. near 176 Street and 35 Avenue.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has taken control of the case, working alongside the Surrey Police Service. Investigators noted that the shooting appears to be a targeted incident. Shortly after the attack, authorities located a vehicle engulfed in flames in South Surrey, which they believe is connected to the suspects who fled the scene.
“At this stage, investigators believe this to be related to the ongoing investigation,” the Surrey Police Service said regarding the burning vehicle.
The victim was the co-owner of Empress Banquet Hall and owned Studio-12 Limousine. Well-known journalist Gurpreet Singh Sahota said on social media that Garcha was a wedding videographer and photographer who was “known as a professional, warm, friendly and approachable person.” He noted that the shooting occurred at the gate of Garcha’s farm, though his primary residence was located within the city.
Garcha, who immigrated to Canada from Punjab, is survived by his wife, two daughters, a son, and his parents. His death has sparked widespread concern within the local Punjabi community, where residents have noted a worrying trend of targeted violence against established South Asian entrepreneurs.
“Binder Garcha immigrated to Canada from Punjab and, with years of hard work, became the co-owner of Empress Banquet Hall,” Sahota said.
IHIT has launched an appeal for witnesses, specifically requesting dashcam footage or CCTV from the 18900-block of 40 Avenue and the 3500-block of 176 Street. While the motive remains officially undisclosed, community leaders have previously pointed to rising extortion threats and organized crime as significant issues in the region.
