According to numerous Facebook posts and tributes, the person killed close to 146th Street and Highway 10 was 41-year-old Ranjeev “Raj” Sangha, who was known for promoting the Bhangra Idols competition as well as being involved in the Paaji Guys.

SURREY – A well known Bhangra promoter was gunned down at his Surrey home on Monday morning but police say he was not involved in the ongoing gang conflict that has seen a series of ongoing killings of young Indo-Canadian men.

According to numerous Facebook posts and tributes, the person killed close to 146th Street and Highway 10 was 41-year-old Ranjeev “Raj” Sangha, who was known for promoting the Bhangra Idols competition as well as being involved in the Paaji Guys.

On November 26, at approximately 11:46 a.m., the Surrey RCMP was called to the 14600 block of Southview Drive after a report of shots fired was received.

Upon police attendance, victim Sangha was located suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite all attempts to revive the individual they succumbed to their injuries.

The area surrounding the scene was cordoned off and the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) was called and is now working in partnership with the Surrey RCMP.

On Tuesday, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team confirmed the victim had no gang ties, and said detectives are still working to determine a potential motive for his killing.

"There's nothing to suggest that this is related to the ongoing gang conflict. Mr. Ranjeet Sangha was not known to police," Cpl. Frank Jang told reporters. "We're trying to find out why exactly anyone would want to harm him, why anyone would want to shoot him, and why anyone would want him dead."

“RIP Raj – Paaji guys & Bhangra Idols are Synonymous with Raj Sangha. It was an era. In this community he was an era. His infectious smile and laughter will be missed by many,” one Facebook page post said about the deceased.

Despite police’s assertion that Sangha was not involved in gangs, he was killed in what’s believed to be a targeted hit in Surrey’s Newton neighbourhood.

Longtime friend Suki Pangalia told the Province newspaper that he was heartbroken over the loss of such a “caring and compassionate” and cherished member of the community.

“He would go out of his way to help anyone, especially young people,” said Pangalia, who said at times his friend would be moved to tears watching the students compete.

“He was always smiling, always laughing,” he recalled. “I don’t know what happened, but I really don’t think he was connected to the drug scene. He never took drugs, and he never drank (alcohol.)”

Sangha in 2005 started Bhangra Idols, an international dance competition, that brings together teams of dancers seeking to earn the title of Bhangra Idols. The traditional Punjabi Bhangra dance originated from northern India as a performance during the harvest seasons.

Meanwhile, tributes and messages of condolences were posted on social media on Tuesday.

Harp Sohal wrote on Facebook that another life and “amazing human being” had been taken too early. “Mr Raj Sangha you will be surely missed as the Bhangra Idols Icon that always lit up that room, deepest condolences to all family and friends. RIP Brother.”

"It was a huge shock. Raj didn't have any enemies, lots of friends. Everybody loved him," friend Bharathi Sandhu told CTV News.

"And to hear he died like this, outside on cold, wet pavement all by himself, was heartbreaking."

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team has taken over the case.

IHIT said Tuesday that those responsible for the shooting immediately left the area in a black four-door sedan. Investigators release a surveillance photo of the vehicle in hopes that someone might recognize it and call police.

An hour after Sangha was found, Richmond RCMP was alerted to a burning black sedan in the area of the 12000-block of Cambie Road.

It was found approximately 100 metres off of Cambie Road on a pedestrian path.

RCMP say this black four-door sedan is a suspect vehicle in the murder of Raj Sangha. RCMP RELEASE

Detectives would like to speak with anyone who has information about this vehicle and are seeking dash-cam video from drivers who were travelling between Surrey and Richmond along Highway 99 or Highway 91 between 11:46 a.m. and 12:49 p.m.

Anyone with information can contact IHIT at 1-877-551-4448 or ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.  Those wishing to remain anonymous can phone Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.