ABBOTSFORD – The LINK reported last week after sources in Abbotsford told us that the young Indo-Canadian drive-by shooting victim have known his killer.
But Abbotsford police in an interview with the LINK this week denied any such claims, saying they are continue the investigation into Baringh’s murder but they do not have anybody in custody for the crime.
“We have made no arrests and there is currently no evidence to indicate that the victim Harwindip Singh Baringh knew his killer,” Const. Ian MacDonald told the LINK on Thursday
The LINK was the only media outlet to first report the victim identity. Harwindip Singh Baringh is late son of Sukhjivan Singh Baringh “Thakra.”
Baringh was shot point blank and left for dead on October 2nd evening inside a running SUV.
Sources had earlier told The LINK that the young victim may have known his killer but Abbotsford police are not confirming anything.
We had reported that a young man known to Baringh had accompanied him to the place where Baringh was shot and killed but police have denied any such information to the LINK.
Constable MacDonald said that currently the investigation into Baringh’s killing is continuing but that police do not have any suspects in custody. He described the murder scene as surreal where families and older people were shocked by the brutal killing but some young people were actually laughing and be stupid as if a lost of a young life meant nothing to them.
We also reported that Baringh is the victim of ongoing conflict between two Indo-Canadian groups in the Fraser Valley, which police had earlier warned would get more violent and feared people dying as a result of the continuing escalation
MacDonald said despite police warnings, the young men have continued to show bravado and toughness in the escalation of violence and it seems like their families can’t control them.
“I’m sorry to say that despite our continuing appeal to families and the young men, our message doesn’t seem to have gotten through and it’s sad that a young man was killed,” MacDonald said.
He said the video surveillance, which began months ago targeting the trouble-makers, is continuing and he is worried that many of the young men could easily graduate to the drug and gang scene as they are ideal target for recruitment.
“We’re doing all we can to stop the violence but it seems like a work in progress but we are hopeful that these people will get some sense and stop their violent actions,” he said.
A motive hasn’t been established in the killing, but investigators believe it was targeted.
“Witnesses indicated that two vehicles left the area at a high rate of speed,” MacDonald said. “We searched the area for any other victims and any other suspects that might be involved in this shooting.”
Officers are searching for a white Acura TL and a dark-coloured sedan.
Last week, Abbotsford Mayor Bruce Banman offered his condolences to Baringh’s family this week.
“To have a young life ended so senselessly is extremely tragic,” said Banman. “As a father and grandfather my heart goes out to the Baringh family on their heartbreaking loss.”
Mayor Banman, who chairs the Abbotsford Police Board as part of his duties as mayor, says he is committed to seeing justice done in this case.
“These kinds of appalling events must be stopped. We known that every community has bad elements, and the whole community is in shock due to the acts of these few individuals, but as your Mayor I can assure you that we are committed to bringing the offenders to justice.”
Abbotsford Police had earlier warned that there was an escalation of violence between two Indo-Canadian groups with more than 25 incidents being reported since May 11, most of them involving property damage,
Police at the time said they’re “extremely concerned” that the conflict could result in “serious injuries” either to the young men involved or their families.
The conflict is believes to be between two groups of males, which constitute a large number of young Indo-Canadians, between the ages of 15 and 25 – a total of about 20 people, Abbotsford police said earlier.
The Abbotsford Police Department’s major crime unit is leading the investigation of the conflict. Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to call the department at 604-859-5225, or text it at 222973.
