On Saturday, Lower Mainland's Integrated Homicide Investigation Team announced the dead men are brothers Chaten Dhindsa and Joban Dhindsa. Both were known to police. "This is believed to be a targeted incident related to the victims' involvement in the ongoing Lower Mainland gang conflict," said Det. Lara Jansen. 

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff

RICHMOND –Police have identified Indo-Canadian brothers as the victims who were found early Friday morning in a burning house in Richmond.

On Saturday, Lower Mainland's Integrated Homicide Investigation Team announced the dead men are brothers Chaten Dhindsa, 25 and Joban Dhindsa, 23. Both were known to police. 

"This is believed to be a targeted incident related to the victims' involvement in the ongoing Lower Mainland gang conflict," said Det. Lara Jansen. 

The homicide team said Richmond RCMP officers responded to the fire in the 22000 block of Rathburn Drive at 4:45 a.m. on Friday. The two victims were found inside once the fire was extinguished. 

Jansen said the team has been working closely with Richmond RCMP, Integrated Forensic Identification Services and the BC Coroners Service.

“IHIT investigators are working hard to further this investigation, identify the victims and locate next of kin.  Investigators have determined that a burned black BMW SUV reported shortly after the homicide near 16 Avenue and 194 Street in Surrey is believed to be associated with the homicide,” Jansen said. 

“We are asking anyone with CCTV, dash cam video or information related to the homicide or the burned BMW SUV to contact IHIT.”

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

Should you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)