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Ottawa: A Pakistani-Canadian businessman, Rahat Rao, is in critical condition after being set on fire in Surrey, Canada. The attack occurred last Friday when an unidentified young man reportedly attacked Rao during a business transaction in his forex office.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the incident unfolded after the assailant, described as being in his mid-20s, entered Rao’s office under the guise of needing to exchange money. Shortly after, he set Rao ablaze and fled the scene. Police are investigating the motive behind the attack, with initial speculations suggesting a possible failed robbery attempt.
Rahat Rao has been an active participant in the local community, notably involving himself in protests following the murder of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar last June. Nijjar, a prominent advocate for the Khalistan movement, was allegedly killed by Indian government agents. In the wake of Nijjar’s death, Rao faced scrutiny and was questioned by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in September 2023 regarding his connections to the case. Following some undisclosed threats, RCMP had advised him to enhance security measures around his business, including the installation of additional CCTV cameras.
The violent attack has raised concerns about safety and security among the local business and activist communities, with police continuing their search for the suspect and motives behind this brutal incident.
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