RCMP said Thursday they believe a Richmond, B.C., man who disappeared eight years ago was kidnapped and killed.
The body of 28-year-old Narinder "Ned" Mander has not been found, but police said they believe he was an innocent victim "caught in the crossfire of a bitter rivalry."
Sgt. Tim Shields outlined the events that investigators believe led to Mander's death.
On Oct. 9, 2001, Mander left his Surrey granite and marble business at 2:45 p.m. with two Asian men in a red Dodge minivan. Police believe these men lured Mander into the van and kidnapped him.
Police believe the men forced Mander to phone a friend who was in a car with 26-year-old Rick Bhatti in order to lure them to a Sikh temple in Surrey.
At about 9:30 p.m. that night, the friend and Bhatti arrived at the temple. Their car came under fire. Bhatti died at the scene. The friend was not hurt.
Witnesses said they saw a red Dodge minivan drive away from the scene of the shooting and followed it. Someone in the van fired a number of shots at the witnesses. No one was hurt.
Police said Thursday they do not believe Mander was involved in drugs or gang activity. His family has posted a $50,000 reward for information leading to his whereabouts.
Anyone with information is asked to call Surrey RCMP at 604-599-7633 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
