Advertisement

Homicide investigators suspect foul play in disappearance of Burnaby man

Click to play video: 'Foul play suspected in disappearance of Burnaby man'
Foul play suspected in disappearance of Burnaby man
The Integrated Homicide Integration Team is looking into the disappearance of 33-year-old Parmider Rai. Emily Lazantin reports on the investigation and why police suspect foul play – Jun 17, 2021

Metro Vancouver homicide investigators are making a public appeal for information in the disappearance of a man they believe may be the victim of foul play.

Parminder Rai, 33, was last seen by a friend in the area of his home near University Crescent and Tower Road on Burnaby Mountain on June 4.

Story continues below advertisement

His family reported him missing on Monday, and Integrated Homicide Investigation Team Sgt. Frank Jang said investigators have since determined he was known to police and had ties to gangs and the drug trade.

“Things just didn’t connect. When we checked Mr. Rai’s name, looked further into his background, his interactions with police, we put those things together, we made that determination that this isn’t just somebody going missing,” Jang said.

Click to play video: 'IHIT appeals to family members not to be ‘complicit’ in gang conflict'
IHIT appeals to family members not to be ‘complicit’ in gang conflict

“We believe that somebody did something to Mr. Rai. Frankly, we believe he may be dead. That’s why we’re involved.”

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Rai is described as South Asian, five feet 10 inches tall, and 185 pounds. He drives a black Honda Accord with the British Columbia licence plate MB231R.

Story continues below advertisement

Jang said it was too early to conclude whether Rai’s disappearance was connected to the Lower Mainland gang conflict, but that preliminary investigation did not suggest it was.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts or who recalls seeing him in the area of Simon Fraser University or driving his Honda is asked to contact homicide investigators.

Sponsored content

AdChoices