Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society CEO Satbir S. Cheema narrowly escaped a violent attack outside the non-profit organization’s offices recently. In surveillance footage released to the public, two masked men in a white RAM pickup truck were waiting in the PICS parking lot when Cheema exited the building and approached his car. The truck immediately advanced blocking Cheema’s vehicle and one man jumped out and moved towards him while the other filmed the encounter on his phone.  The attacker lunged forward and sprayed a strong-smelling orange substance believed to be pepper/bear spray on Cheema, who fortunately was able to move away quickly to avoid direct impact, sustaining only minor exposure to clothing, turban and left arm. The masked attackers immediately fled the scene in their vehicle. Cheema and PICS have been the target of coordinated public disinformation by some members of the community and controversial Punjabi media individuals, who in a recent post accused Cheema of orchestrating the incident to get sympathy. Cheema and PICS have fought back by trashing the disinformation, including going to courts to fight rumours and conspiracies about fraud and corruption alleged by their haters. Cheema called the attack on his cowardly and vowed to continue working hard for the community organization. Surrey police so far has made no arrests or any leads in the investigation.

By R. Paul Dhillon – Editor DESIBUZZCanada

SURREY – Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society CEO Satbir S. Cheema narrowly escaped a violent attack outside the non-profit organization’s offices recently.

In surveillance footage released to the public, two masked men in a white RAM pickup truck were waiting in the PICS parking lot when Cheema exited the building and approached his car. The truck immediately advanced blocking Cheema’s vehicle and one man jumped out and moved towards him while the other filmed the encounter on his phone. 

The attacker lunged forward and sprayed a strong-smelling orange substance believed to be pepper/bear spray on Cheema, who fortunately was able to move away quickly to avoid direct impact, sustaining only minor exposure to clothing, turban and left arm.

The masked attackers immediately fled the scene in their vehicle. 

Police were called and given the surveillance footage, which captured the incident from two different angles. The matter is under active investigation.

Cheema and PICS have been the target of coordinated public disinformation by some members of the community and controversial Punjabi media individuals, who in a recent post accused Cheema of orchestrating the incident to get sympathy.

Cheema and PICS have fought back by trashing the disinformation, including going to courts to fight rumours and conspiracies about fraud and corruption alleged by their haters. 

Cheema called the attack on his cowardly and vowed to continue working hard for the community organization.

“This cowardly and targeted attack is not just on me personally, but on the values the PICS Society stands for,” Cheema said. “I am deeply grateful for the support being provided by the local police and the community at large.  Let me be clear: violence and intimidation will not deter us from serving those who depend on our services.” 

Board Chair Maninder Grewal added: “The Board of Directors and all the members stand firmly behind our CEO and condemn this shameful act in the strongest possible terms. PICS has served this community with dignity and dedication for decades, and we will not allow fear or aggression to derail our mission.”

During the Annual General Meeting held on Sunday, August 17 at PICS Senior Housing Facility, the Board of Directors passed a resolution strongly denouncing the attack. The resolution reaffirms PICS Society’s commitment to continuing its work fearlessly, despite attempts at intimidation.

PICS Society calls upon community leaders, elected officials, and the public to unite in rejecting this kind of violence.

Surrey police so far has made no arrests or any leads in the investigation.