Notorious Abbotsford-based gangster Harpreet Singh “Harb”  Dhaliwal was gunned down in downtown Vancouver on Saturday night in the city’s fifth homicide of the year. Dhaliwal, the middle brother of the Barinder “Shrek” Dhaliwal and youngest Meninder Dhaliwal, was shot at close range just after 8:30 p.m and was pronounced dead on scene after attempts of resuscitation failed by Vancouver Police, Vancouver Fire Rescue Service and BC Ambulance Service.

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff 

VANCOUVER – Notorious Abbotsford-based gangster Harpreet Singh “Harb” Dhaliwal was gunned down in downtown Vancouver on Saturday night in the city’s fifth homicide of the year.

Police responded to several 9-1-1 calls for shots fired outside Cardero's restaurant near Coal Harbour Quay and Cardero Street just after 8:30 p.m. on April 17.  

Dhaliwal, 31, the middle brother of the Barinder “Shrek” Dhaliwal and youngest Meninder Dhaliwal, was pronounced dead on scene after attempts of resuscitation failed by Vancouver Police, Vancouver Fire Rescue Service and BC Ambulance Service.

Preliminary evidence indicates the shooting was targeted and investigators do not believe there is a specific public safety risk at this time related to this incident.

 “Although this shooting was targeted, we are very concerned about the potential impact on the public of an incident like this," says Constable Tania Visintin, VPD. "This happened in a busy spot on a nice evening and an innocent person could have gotten hurt."

No arrests have been made at this time.

Harb Dhaliwal was shot at close range just after 8:30 p.m., right beside vehicles parked on the north side of the 1500-block of Coal Harbour Quay.

“We continue to believe this incident was a targeted killing and that Dhaliwal was the intended victim,” says Sergeant Steve Addison, VPD. “While we don’t think there is an immediate risk to the public, it is always shocking and unnerving when gun violence takes place in such a busy, public place.

In a video posted on social media, Harb’s elder brother Shrek Dhaliwal screamed out his name and had to be held back by Vancouver Police officers after the shooting.

Harb’s younger brother Meninder was also nearby when the murder happened in a busy stretch of waterfront, packed with people enjoying the sunshine and dining on patios, reported Postmedia.

All three brothers, who grew up in Abbotsford, are linked to the Brothers Keepers gang.

A firearm with a suppressor could be seen on the sidewalk beside Dhaliwal’s body, which remained under a white tarp until early Sunday morning.

Talk on social media indicated that Harb’s death will lead to another gangland blood bath on the streets of Vancouver as reprisals are likely to come swiftly although that could be just more gangster bravado.

Just minutes after Harb’s killing, a man was stabbed during an altercation a block away on West Hastings. He was rushed to hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

Visintin said investigators are looking at the possibility the two crimes are connected, though nothing has yet been confirmed.

“We haven’t made the link yet — no official link — so it’s something we’re still looking at,” she said.

The Brothers Keepers, a relatively new Lower Mainland gang linked to the Hells Angels Hardside chapter, has been embroiled in a bloody conflict with at least two rival gangs in recent years, reported Postmedia.

Harb Dhaliwal was injured in two previous shootings — one in Abbotsford in 2017 and one at Richmond’s Lansdowne Mall in December 2018. His younger brother Meninder was also shot in Richmond in March 2019.

Homicide detectives continue to investigate. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the tip line at 604-717-2500 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.