THE Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has taken over conduct of a homicide investigation after the body of a man was found deceased on the ground in the 3500-block of 176 Street in Surrey.

At approximately 12:05 p.m. on Tuesday, January 13, SPS officers responded to calls of a man lying near the street. Members located a man apparently suffering from gunshot wounds. Surrey Fire Services and BCEHS attended, and the man was subsequently pronounced deceased at the scene.

On Tuesday, well-known Punjabi journalist Gurpreet Singh Sahota identified the victim as “Binder Garcha”. The South Asian businessman was also a wedding videographer and photographer and owner of Studio-12. “The shooting occurred near the gate of his farm. His residence, however, is located in the city,” he added.

Sahota wrote that he “was known as a professional, warm, friendly and approachable person.” He added: “Binder Garcha immigrated to Canada from Punjab and, with years of hard work, became the co-owner of [a banquet hall] and owned Studio-12 Limousine. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, one son, and his parents.”

IHIT identified the victim on Wednesday as 46-year-old Baljinder “Binder” Singh Garcha of Surrey.

“It remains very early on in this investigation. Based on initial investigative steps, investigators do not believe there is a connection to the B.C. gang conflict and are working diligently to understand the circumstances that led to the death of Mr. Garcha. We are asking anyone with information to please come forward and speak with investigators,” said Cpl. Sukhi Dhesi.

IHIT has now taken over the investigation and are working in partnership with SPS to complete priority investigative tasks.

SPS also responded to a report of a vehicle fire in the area of the 18900-block of 40 Street. At this stage, investigators believe this to be related to the ongoing investigation.

Investigators are looking for anyone with information, CCTV or dash camera footage from the 18900-block of 40 Street from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from the 3500-block of 176 Street between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on January 13. Anyone with information is asked to call the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.