Canada: Sikh man, son killed in shooting amid escalating gang violence in Edmonton

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An Indian-origin Sikh man identified as a key figure in Canada's organized crime scene, Harpreet Singh Uppal, 41, and his 11-year-old son were fatally shot outside a gas station in Edmonton. The brazen daytime attack has been labelled a "sick and twisted" escalation of gang conflicts by the Edmonton Police Service.

Edmonton Police Service acting Supt. Colin Derksen, addressing the media, expressed the police's concern over the deliberate targeting of children, a departure from the historical restraint observed by gangs. The son's young friend, also in the car during the incident, miraculously escaped physical harm.

While a suspect vehicle, a stolen 2012 BMW X6, was found on fire north of Beaumont, no arrests or suspects have been identified as of Friday morning. Uppal, described as a "higher-level figure" in Edmonton's organized crime, was facing charges related to cocaine possession, trafficking, and illegal possession of body armor. His trial was scheduled for April 2024.

The police refrained from divulging specific gang affiliations but mentioned Uppal's association with the Brothers Keepers, contributing to an ongoing conflict with the UN gang. The recent string of gang-related killings, spanning from Vancouver to Toronto, raises concerns about potential connections between these incidents.

"But what we do know, sadly, is that once the shooter or the shooters learned that the son was there, they intentionally shot and killed him," the Edmonton Journal quoted Derksen as saying.

He added killing children was once a "line in the sand" gang members refused to cross, but that is changing. "That is sick and twisted," Derksen said. "I think most gang members would agree."

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Police have not released the name of the boy, pending autopsy.

Uppal was facing charges related to cocaine possession and trafficking, as well as illegal possession of body armour. A trial was set to start in April 2024, CBC News reported.

He was also charged with assault with a weapon and unauthorised possession of a firearm in relation to a case from March 2021. The Crown stayed those proceedings in February, it said.

Derksen also declined to say whether police believe the shooting was retaliation for other violence, or whether retaliation for Uppal's killing is expected.

Sources have told Postmedia that Uppal was a prominent Brothers Keepers associate.

His murder is believed to be part of a war between the UN gang and the BK.

While originating in the Vancouver area, the tit-for-tat slayings are now happening across the country. The day before Uppal was killed, B.C. UN gangster Parmvir Chahil was shot to death in Toronto. Media reports said the killings may be linked. (With inputs from PTI)