Who Was Darshan Singh Sahsi, Indian-Origin Businessman Killed By Lawrence Bishnoi Gang In Canada?

Last Updated:October 29, 2025, 11:16 IST

Born into a farming family, Sahsi left for Canada in 1991 and took on odd jobs before buying into a failing textile unit and rebuilding it into a global operation

Darshan Singh Sahsi, aged 68, was shot dead on Monday morning outside his home in Abbotsford, with police describing the slaying as a “targeted killing”. (X)

A life that began in a small village in Punjab ended with a shocking targeted killing in suburban Canada when entrepreneur Darshan Singh Sahsi, aged 68, was shot dead on Monday morning outside his home in Abbotsford, with police describing the slaying as a “targeted killing".

The Lawrence Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility for Sahsi’s killing, with gang member Goldy Dhillon claiming in a social media post that the businessman was involved in drug trade and the gang had killed him when he refused to send them money.

Born into a farming family, Sahsi left for Canada in 1991 in the pursuit of new beginnings. According to Moneycontrol, he took on odd jobs before buying into a failing textile unit and re-building it into a global operation.

Under Sahsi’s leadership, his company—Canam —grew into one of the world’s largest players in clothing recycling, with presence in more than 40 countries and a strong reputation for sustainable supply-chain practices, the Times of India reported. He remained closely connected to his roots in Punjab and Gujarat, and his philanthropic and cultural contributions made him a respected figure among the Punjabi diaspora.

According to Satnam Singh Chahal, executive director of the North American Punjabi Association (NAPA), Sahsi was a respected figure in the Indo-Canadian community. “His enterprise not only provided employment to many members of the local Punjabi community but also contributed significantly to the region’s recycling and sustainability efforts," Chahal said in a statement on X.

On Monday, at approximately 9.22am, the Abbotsford Police Department responded to gunfire in the 31300-block of Ridgeview Drive. According to investigations, the assailant was waiting in a parked vehicle. As Sahsi got into his car, the gunman opened fire and fled the scene. Medical responders arrived quickly but Sahsi succumbed to his injuries.

In an interview to CBC News, Sahsi’s son Arpan said the family had received no threats before the attack. “Of course, we’re devastated because it does not make sense to us," he said. “There were no threats, there was no blackmail, there was no extortion."

In his diaspora community, Sahsi was known not only as a successful businessman but as a bridge between Punjab and the overseas Punjabi population. He funded community initiatives, supported Punjabi literature and heritage, and created employment opportunities for many immigrants.

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