Two Indo-Canadian associates of the United Nations gang and another man have been charged with the murder of Vishal Walia, who was gunned down Monday outside the posh University Golf Club. The alleged killers – Deandre Baptiste, Balraj Basra and Iqbal Kang – were arrested shortly after Walia’s murder when their vehicle collided with a truck in Richmond but initially they were only charged with arson and other offences. But they were officially charged with Walia’s murder on Friday.

By PD Raj – Senior Writer DESIBUZZCanada

VANCOUVER – Two Indo-Canadian associates of the United Nations gang and another man have been charged with the murder of Vishal Walia, who was gunned down Monday outside the posh University Golf Club.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) announced Friday that they arrested three men in the homicide of Walia on October 17, 2022 on the University Endowment Lands, with charges approved the BC Prosecution Service (BCPS).

The alleged killers – Deandre Baptiste, Balraj Basra and Iqbal Kang – were arrested shortly after Walia’s murder when their vehicle collided with a truck in Richmond but initially they were only charged with arson and other offences. But they were officially charged with Walia’s murder on Friday.

On October 17, at 9:49 a.m., University RCMP received reports of a shooting at the University Golf Club, located in the 5100-block of University Boulevard on the University Endowment Lands.  Officers attended and located Walia suffering from fatal gunshot wounds. 

At 10:02 a.m., a vehicle fire was reported in the laneway located in the 4000-block of W 20th Avenue, Vancouver.  A suspect vehicle was quickly identified by Vancouver Police Department (VPD) members responding to the vehicle fire.

Shortly after 10:15 a.m., members from VPD, BC Highway Patrol and the Richmond RCMP arrested Deandre Baptiste, Balraj Basra and Iqbal Kang in relation to the homicide and vehicle arson.

IHIT took conduct of the homicide investigation and immediately began working closely with VPD, University RCMP and the Richmond RCMP to identify evidence linking the offences. The investigation was supported by the BC Highway Patrol, E-Division Major Crimes Section, the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, Langley RCMP and the RCMP Integrated Forensic Identification Section.

On October 21, charges of first degree murder were laid against Deandre Baptiste, Balraj Basra and Iqbal Kang, who remained in custody following their arrests on October 17.

“This timely outcome could not have happened without the unwavering support from our partners,” says Sergeant Timothy Pierotti of IHIT. “Despite being a multi-jurisdictional investigation, IHIT was able to efficiently advance the investigation throughout the week.”