Two NRI sikh brothers, owner of 'Sahib Indian Restaurant' shot dead

Richmond, California, Dec. 29., 2007
Darshan Sahota

On Thursday night, NRI brothers, Ravinder Kalsi, 30, owner of 'Sahib Indian Restaurant' and his brother Paramjit Kalsi, 42 were shot dead in their restaurant at Bay Area by two unidentified men.

It was about 9 pm, Ravinder Kalsi, who had locked up minutes earlier, One banged on the window. "You open?" he mouthed to his quarry inside. Ravinder opened the door and the killers shot him dead in the doorway. They stepped past him and found Paramjit Kalsi in the kitchen and shot him.

Paramjit (left) and Ravinder Kalsi, shown at their restaurant, Sahib, were described as hard workers and "the kindest of people." Photo courtesy of J.P. Singh . http://www.sfchroniclemarketplace.com/cgi- bin/article.cgi? f=/c/a/2007/12/29/BA3SU67U7.DTL

Richmond Detective Sgt. Mitch Peixoto said:

• It does not look like a robbery. It looks like these two guys went in there to kill them.
• That's what worries me. Why?
• It is clueless about the reason behind the killing.
• The attackers did not disturb the cash register and took nothing.
• There is no clear evidence of a hate crime but say they will investigate all possibilities.

Richmond police reviewed surveillance camera footage and looked for witnesses. The killers may be Asian or Latino, police said.

One friend of Kalsi said:

• Their family hails from Patiala in Punjab. The brothers immigrated to the United States in 1997. They were carpenters in India and did construction work in Berkeley for several years until they saved enough to buy a house. They bought, renovated and sold or leased several houses over the years, eventually earning enough to open their restaurant and send money home to India.
• The Kalsis took over the restaurant in 2002. They also owned at least two residential properties in the area,
  which they renovated in hopes of selling for a profit.
• Ravinder went to Punjab about two months ago for his engagement.
• They were very gentle and totally pure guys.
• They were extremely hard-working and had recently been granted permanent residency here.
• The brothers planned to sell the restaurant and return home for the wedding at the end of the month.
  

As of Guest Book for Paramjit Kalsi:

Kathleen McKinley (El Cerrito, CA) said, "This is so shocking and saddening. I started eating at Sahib shortly after Ravi and Pami opened. The two brothers were so different: Pami so quiet and serious and Ravi always joking. My heart goes out their family and friends."

I am deeply saddened at this tragic news. I spent many a fine hour at the restaurant, and always felt sincere hospitality and kindness. Your families and loved ones are in my thoughts. Jennifer Tieman (Pittsburgh, PA)

My heart is saddened at such at community loss. Pammi and Ravi were as brothers to me. Better for having known them, i will never be the same. They were so gracious and humble with their achievements.
I enjoyed many hours sharing Pammi's remodeling skills. Pammi and Ravi's desire for perfection was evident in all they did. Bless you Pammi.
Donna Gibson (El Cerrito, CA)

Pammi & Ravi were so gracious and kind. I got to know them as a customer over their 5 years with the restaurant. When my friend was dying from stomach cancer they let her come eat with me for free. They always had warm smiles. We talked, joked, laughed. I'm so sorry they are gone, I'll miss them!
Wendy S (Richmond)

Pami--Your quiet, warmth and wonderful food will be greatly missed. My condolences to your family and friends. The sadness and shock will be with us all, along with the fond memories.
Sally Meeks (Richmond, CA)