RCMP Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit (SPOSU) announced on Wednesday that Kalid Yimer, 33, who had been charged with the August 2, 2024 attempted murder of Pakistani-Canadian businessman Rahat Rao, who was allegedly doused in accelerant and lit on fire in the 10200-block of Surrey’s City Parkway, has been located deceased.
In August 2026, RCMP officers were called to a forested area in the Fleetwood neighbourhood in Surrey to investigate the discovery of human remains. Through this investigation, police say they can now confirm Yimer’s death. They do not believe criminality was involved and the cause of his death is not considered suspicious.
Investigators believe Yimer was the lone individual responsible for the attack on August 2, 2024. As a result of this information, the investigation into the 2024 attempted murder is concluded and the charge has been abated.
“The goal of any investigation is to ultimately find the person or persons responsible and hold them to account,” says Staff-Sgt. Tara Nicholls, non-commissioned officer in charge of the RCMP SPOSU Investigative Services Section. “While we may never learn the true motive of this horrible attack, we hope the victim and community can rest assured that police have found the person who was responsible.”
The victim and their family have been informed of this update and the conclusion of the investigation. They continue to ask for privacy.
The RCMP Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit thanked the community and those who assisted with the investigation.
* On August 2, 2024, Surrey RCMP received a report of a serious assault in the 10200-block of City Parkway. Frontline officers attended the scene and located the victim, who suffered serious injuries and was transported to the hospital.
* On August 3, 2024, the stolen vehicle which was used by the suspect was recovered with the assistance of the public.
* On August 9, 2024, Surrey RCMP identified the suspect as being Yimer. Police released an enhanced photo to locate him and warn the public that is believed to be violent and dangerous.
* One August 1, 2025, RCMP SPOSU announced charge approval and re-appealed to the public to remain on the lookout for Yimer. One count of attempted murder was approved and an arrest warrant was issued for Yimer.
