SHOT MAN ID’D
Bhangra dance promoter Raj Sangha, 41, of Surrey dies in targeted hit
A 41-year-old man shot to death in Surrey Monday has been identified by friends as Raj Sangha, a much-loved member of the community and a Bhangra dance promoter.
Sangha was killed in what’s believed to be a targeted hit in Surrey’s Newton neighbourhood. Longtime friend Suki Pangalia said 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.)”
Pangalia, one of the founders of the South Asian publication AAJ Magazine, said he first met Sangha more than 20 years ago when they danced together at the Indian dance school Rangeela.
“He danced but he also volunteered, helping teens to organize for competitions,” he said. “His main goal was to promote the art of the Bhangra and to give these kids a platform to excel.”
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.
Sangha loved to help Punjabi youth use the dance to connect to their culture, said Pangalia. “His message was always to encourage the kids and be proud of who you are and your roots,” he said.
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.”
Bali K. Deol described Sangha as “always smiling” and said “his infectious smile and laughter will be missed by many.”
On Monday, Surrey RCMP, responding to a report of shots fired, found Sangha around 11:45 a.m. in the 14600 block of Southview Drive suffering from gunshot wounds. He later died from his injuries. 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 released 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 Cambie Road on a pedestrian path.
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 1-877551-4448 or ihitinfo@rcmpgrc.gc.ca.or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.