Punjabi-Hindi Radio Station Shot in Surrey Amid Escalating Extortion Crisis

Gunshots Fired at Swift 1200 AM Radio Station in Surrey, BC

On Monday night, Swift 1200 AM, a Punjabi-Hindi radio station in Surrey, British Columbia, was targeted by gunfire. Police are investigating the incident as a possible act of intimidation connected to an ongoing extortion crisis affecting South Asian businesses throughout Canada. The shooting occurred between 8:30 pm and 9:00 pm on September 29, 2025, at the station's studios on 76th Avenue in the Newton neighborhood.

Details of the Shooting

Surrey Police Service (SPS) confirmed that the attack appeared to be a targeted drive-by shooting. Fortunately, the building was unoccupied at the time, and no injuries were reported. Staff discovered the bullet holes in the main exterior door the following morning. The investigation has been handed over to British Columbia’s Provincial Extortion Task Force, recently formed to address the escalating crisis. According to the Surrey Police Service, the damage to the exterior door was caused by gunshots. Host of the Radio Jasbir Romana disclosed that the Radio is owned by prominent Punjab origin Canadian Kulwant Singh Dhesi.

Swift 1200 AM's Role and Possible Motives

Swift 1200 AM, previously known as Spice Radio until its rebranding in July 2025 under local ownership including Devinder Singh Benipal, Nimmi Daula, Jinny Sims, and Sameer Kaushal, serves as a key platform for news, music, talk shows, and cultural programming. Recently, the station has focused on the extortion threats targeting Indian-owned businesses and the Canadian government's decision to designate the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist organization. Jinny Sims, a former B.C. MLA and current Swift host, believes the shooting could be retaliation for the station's coverage of these issues.

Investigation and Response

SPS Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton stated that the task force is confident in their ability to make arrests in connection with the shooting. The extortion task force, launched on September 17, 2025, is already handling numerous cases. Between November 2023 and late September 2025, Surrey has seen 48 extortion complaints, with 29 involving gunfire. Similar spikes in cases have been reported in Abbotsford, Brampton, and Edmonton, often involving threats of arson or shootings unless "protection" money is paid. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward. Those with information can contact the SPS non-emergency line at 604-599-0502 and quote file number 25-85681 (SP), the Surrey Extortion Tip Line at 236-485-5149, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.solvecrime.ca.

Concerns and Condemnation

The shooting has sparked outrage among community leaders. Langley-Abbotsford MLA Harman Bhangu condemned the incident as evidence of "criminals emboldened" by government inaction. Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke reiterated her commitment to addressing the crisis, highlighting the $250,000 reward fund for information leading to convictions. There were five bullet holes on the two front doors.

Transnational Links and the Bishnoi Gang

Police sources suggest transnational connections, with several cases allegedly linked to the Bishnoi gang. Associates of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi have been implicated in shootings, arsons, and murders related to cross-border extortion rackets. While arrests have been made in Alberta and Ontario, British Columbia police are still working to make major arrests. SPS Chief Constable Norm Lipinski noted that progress is being made, but further information is needed.

Political Reaction

Conservative MLAs have spoken out about the shooting. Mandeep Dhaliwal, MLA for Surrey North, expressed her sadness and outrage, calling it another NDP failure on public safety. Langley-Abbotsford MLA Harman Bhangu stated that criminals are emboldened because of the NDP’s inaction. Surrey South MLA Brent Chapman said this is unacceptable. Surrey-Cloverdale MLA Elenore Sturko expressed happiness that nobody was injured in today's shooting at Swift radio.