Canadian police have identified Dilraj Singh Gill, a 28-year-old Vancouver resident of Indian origin, as the victim of a fatal targeted shooting in Burnaby, British Columbia. This incident has drawn attention amid concerns over gang-related violence in the region. The identification was confirmed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) through the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT).
Gill was shot on the evening of January 22, 2026, near a busy public area, prompting a large police response and a homicide probe that continues to be ongoing.
Who was Dilraj Singh Gill?
According to IHIT and RCMP, Dilraj Singh Gill was a Vancouver-based man who was known to police prior to his death. Investigators have stated that Gill had multiple earlier interactions with law enforcement. As reported by CBC News, his criminal history included drug-related offences and links to organised crime.
Police believe that the killing was targeted, and investigators say that it appears to be related to the ongoing gang conflict in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland. Authorities have also highlighted that the probe is still at an initial stage and that they are working to find out the full sequence of the events and identify those who are responsible.
How did the Burnaby shooting take place?
According to an RCMP/IHT press release, Burnaby RCMP officers were informed about the reports of shots fired near the 3700 block of Canada Way just before 5:30 pm. When officers arrived, they found that Gill was suffering from gunshot injuries. He died on the spot despite all the emergency and life-saving efforts.
Soon after the shooting, police also found a vehicle on fire in the 5000 block of Buxton Street. Investigators later confirmed that the burned vehicle is related to the homicide. The details of the vehicle and its role have not been disclosed yet.
As per the police statement, IIHT took over the investigation, working along with Burnaby RCMP, BC Coroners Service, and the Integrated Forensic Identification Service (IFIS).
What have police and witnesses said?
IIHT Sergeant Freda Fong has said that a shooting in a public place is “extremely troubling” for the community. She further underlined that witness information is essential to moving the probe forward, as per the RCMP press release.
Police are trying to find out if dashcam or CCTV footage was recorded between 5:00 pm and 6:30 pm on January 22 in areas around Willingdon Avenue, Buxton Street, Canada Way, Boundary Road, and Royal Oak Avenue.
A local resident, Zeeyad Popat, stated to CBC News that he initially thought the sound of gunfire was a household noise before realising shots had been fired.