CALGARY Police are investigating two recent shootings that are believed to be related to extortion demands in the South Asian community.
Several rounds were fired into a home in the 100-block of Redstone Common in north-east Calgary at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 24. There were no reported injuries.
RED FM radio station reported that the home belongs to Punjabi singer and local businessman Veer Davinder, who told them that he had reported extortion calls demanding $500,000 to Calgary Police earlier this month.
Calgary Herald reports that bullets went the home’s exterior and hit different rooms inside, including the garage, a bedroom, a bathroom and a staircase.
On Thursday, January 22, there was a targeted shooting Thursday in the 100-block of Tarawood Lane N.E. in Calgary where several bullets struck a home. There were no reported injuries.
One affected person told Calgary Herald: ““Police might not be telling the public how many times it’s happening in this area just because it’s going to create fear in the area, but it’s happening every day.”
On January 19, Calgary Police said in a post on X: “We are aware & actively working with our partners to investigate a series of extortion-related crimes targeting members of the South Asian community. These incidents, reported across Canada, have involved threats, shootings & demands for large sums of money.
“Since July of 2025, there have been 12 reported extortion attempts on members of the South Asian community in Calgary.
“Of the 12 extortion attempts in Calgary, 9 of them involved the shootings of homes, businesses & /or vehicles. There have been no injuries reported.
“Victims have received threats via WhatsApp & international calls, often accompanied by threats of violent acts or videos.
“Offenders have used the name of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, recently designated as a terrorist entity in Canada, to intimidate victims.”
Calgary Police added that they have dedicated resources to actively investigate these incidents and have also engaged ALERT (Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams) to leverage province-wide law enforcement resources.and other agencies remain in place.
“Public safety is our top priority. We will continue to engage with the community, share updates, & work to hold those responsible accountable,” Calgary Police said.
