THE Lawrence Bishnoi gangster group in India last weekend claimed responsibility for shots fired outside Punjabi singer-actor Gippy Grewal’s residence in West Vancouver in the early hours of Sunday, November 24.

West Vancouver Police spokesperson Sgt. Mark McLean told The VOICE that officers responded to a call of shots fired outside a residence on November 24 at about 12:15 a.m. He said police believe that it was a targeted incident and added that there were no safety concerns for the community at large.

McLean said he could not say who had been targeted and what the motive was at this stage except that it was “a very active investigation.”

India media reported last weekend that a Facebook account named Lawrence Bishnoi announced the gangster group’s involvement in the incident.

“While you may regard Salman Khan as a brother, it is now imperative for your ‘brother’ to step in and rescue you. This message extends to Salman Khan as well – do not harbour the illusion that Dawood or anyone can save you from us. Your impassioned reaction on the demise of Sidhu Moose Wala did not escape our notice. We are well aware of the kind of person he was and the illicit connections he maintained,” reads a post addressed to Grewal.

“You closely associated with Vicky during his time in Middukhera, and subsequently, you even expressed great sorrow for Sidhu. You are now under our scrutiny. Consider this a teaser… Feel free to seek refuge in any country, but bear in mind, death does not require a visa…”

On Monday, Indian media reported that Grewal told an Indian news outlet that he had no friendship with Salman Khan and had met him just twice. He met Salman Khan earlier this year during the trailer launch of his Punjabi film “Maujaan Hi Maujaan.” On another occasion, he had met Salman Khan on the sets of Bigg Boss.

“For me, it is still shocking and I am unable to process what has happened to me,” said Grewal.

Indian media outlet IANS noted that a few hours after the killing of popular Punjabi singer-turned-politician Sidhu Moosewala in May 2022, a Canada-based gangster Goldy Brar had taken the responsibility for the murder. Brar took to his social media account to claim the responsibility, writing that “he and Lawrence Bishnoi group were behind the murder.”

On August 7, 2021, one Vikramjit Singh Middukhera alias Vicky Middukhera (33), a Youth Akali Dal leader, was shot dead. There were allegations that Moosewala had directed his manager Shagunpreet Singh to execute the killing; however, the claims have not been proven yet.