Two Fatal Shootings in Burnaby & Langley Tied to Gang Violence

24-year-old Taran Pandher, left, and 34-year-old Shahaib Abasi were gunned down in separate incidents nearly a week apart this month, but RCMP say both deaths were connected to the ongoing B.C. gang conflict. Photo by RCMP /PNG

Two men known to police were shot dead in separate attacks in Langley and Burnaby less than a week apart.

Investigators say the killings of 24-year-old Taran Pandher and 34-year-old Shahaib Abasi are connected to the ongoing B.C. gang conflict.

Both murders were followed by burning vehicles, a hallmark of Metro Vancouver gang hits, and the homicide team is now appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage.

Taxi Shooting in Langley

On September 5, 2025, just before 10:30 p.m., Langley RCMP found Taran Pandher shot inside a taxi near 200 Street and 53 Avenue. Efforts to save him were unsuccessful.

Roughly 30 minutes later, a vehicle was found burning near 132 Street and 64A Avenue in Surrey. Investigators believe it was connected to the killing.

IHIT confirmed the homicide was targeted. Pandher was known to police.

Burnaby Attack Outside McDonald’s

On September 10, 2025, just before 5:30 p.m., Shahaib Abasi was fatally shot outside a McDonald’s near Still Creek Avenue and Still Creek Drive in Burnaby.

About 15 minutes later, a white Mitsubishi RVR was discovered burning near Nursery Street and Lakefield Drive. Police are working to confirm its role in the attack.

Abasi, a Surrey resident, had also been the subject of previous police attention. In May, officers stopped his Tesla and seized $45,000 in cash, bear mace, and two cellphones.

The money later tested positive for traces of several illicit drugs and is now under civil forfeiture.

IHIT says the Burnaby killing was also targeted and connected to the gang conflict.

Pattern of Gang-Related Violence

Both cases share common elements of Metro Vancouver gang violence:

• Victims known to police

• Shootings carried out in public

• Vehicles set on fire shortly after the attacks

  
  

“The gang landscape is complex and fluid,” said IHIT Cpl. Sukhi Dhesi. “Those responsible showed a complete disregard for public safety.”

Police Appeal for Witnesses

IHIT is asking the public for dashcam or CCTV footage from the following areas on September 5, 2025:

• 20200 block of 53A Avenue, Langley, 9–11 p.m.

• 13250 block of 64A Avenue, Surrey, 10:30–11:30 p.m.

• 19900 block of 53 Avenue, Langley, 10–11 p.m.

  
  

Anyone with information about the Burnaby or Langley shootings is asked to call 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or email ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.