In a chilling escalation of transnational gang violence, an Indian-origin criminal network in Canada has claimed responsibility for the shooting of Punjabi singer Teji Kahlon, who was allegedly targeted over links to a rival gang.
Three men — Mahender Saran Dilana, Rahul Rinau, and Vicky Phalwan — reportedly associated with the Rohit Godara gang, posted confessions on social media claiming they were behind the attack. The gang alleged that Kahlon had been supplying funds and weapons to enemy groups and acting as an informant against their network.
Canadian authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, which marks the latest in a string of violent gang-related attacks involving Indian-origin groups operating across North America.
Gang members boast on social media after shooting
According to posts shared on Facebook, the suspects claimed that they shot Kahlon in the stomach and issued a warning to others not to support rival gangs.
“We carried out the shooting in Canada on Teji Kahlon. He was shot in the stomach. If he understands, fine. If not, next time we will finish him,” the post read.
The men went on to threaten businessmen, builders, and financial operators, vowing to target anyone who aids their adversaries.
“If anyone, even by mistake, supports our enemies or helps them in any way, we will not spare their families,” they wrote. “This is just the beginning. Watch what happens next.”
Reasons behind attack
The gang claimed that Kahlon had acted as a financial backer and informer for a rival network — accusations that have not been verified by authorities. The group alleged that he provided money, weapons, and intelligence to their enemies, labeling him a “traitor.”
Law enforcement agencies in Canada and India are examining whether the claims align with recent investigations into cross-border criminal operations linked to Indian gangs such as those led by Rohit Godara, Goldy Brar, and Lawrence Bishnoi.
Teji Kahlon: From singer to victim of gang feud
Teji Kahlon, a Punjabi singer and actor, gained popularity for his folk and modern Punjabi songs. His discography includes hits such as Jhoomar, Bapu Tera Putt Nikamma, 8 Kitiyan, Do Kille, Time Chak De, Nit Da Sharabi, Mithi Jail, and Gal Banjugi.
His last song release came in 2022, while his breakout hit Mithi Jail remains his most-streamed track across platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Saavn.
The artist’s shooting has sent shockwaves through the Punjabi entertainment community, highlighting how gang rivalries are now reaching unexpected and unrelated individuals.
Transnational gang rivalry intensifies
The attack on Kahlon follows a recent spate of violent incidents tied to the same network. Just weeks earlier, the Rohit Godara gang claimed responsibility for an attack on Hari Boxer, a close aide of Lawrence Bishnoi, in the United States.
Godara, in a purported Facebook post, said he and Goldy Brar orchestrated the California shooting, which left one of Boxer’s associates dead and another injured.
Both Rohit Godara and Goldy Brar are wanted by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) and multiple state police forces for murder, extortion, and terror financing. Godara is reportedly based in the United Kingdom, while Brar is believed to be in the United States. Bishnoi, their long-time rival, remains imprisoned in Gujarat, India.
Warnings and escalation of violence
The Rohit Godara gang’s social media posts have raised alarms over the use of digital platforms to issue threats and claim attacks, allowing criminal groups to instill fear and exert control across continents.
The recent statement warned of a “wider campaign” against individuals perceived to be disloyal, indicating potential for further escalation.
Authorities in Canada are now working with Indian counterparts to trace digital footprints and prevent additional violence tied to the India-origin gang wars spreading across North America.
