Harsimrat Randhawa, Indian student killed by stray bullet in Canada's Ontario, was from Punjab
Harsimrat Kaur Randhawa, a 21-year-old Indian student who was killed in Canada after being struck by a stray bullet, was a resident of Dhunda village in Goindwal Sahib in Punjab’s Tarn Taran.
Harsimrat was a student at Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario, and was waiting at a bus stop on her way to work when shots were fired by someone in a car.
She had gone to Canada two years ago for a better future.
Her grandfather, Sukhwinder Singh, shared with a heavy heart that Harsimrat had gone to Canada for her education. While she was waiting for the bus, she was shot and killed during a shooting carried out by some people in a car.
As soon as the news of Harsimrat Kaur Randhawa’s death reached the village, a wave of sorrow spread through the household, and the atmosphere turned mournful.
The village head, Jaswant Singh Dhunda, along with Malkeet Singh (a contractor) and Gurpreet Singh, appealed to the Indian government for assistance in bringing Harsimrat Kaur’s body back to India.
Hamilton Police are investigating the homicide that happened Wednesday, saying Randhawa was an innocent bystander.
The Consulate General of India in Toronto said in a post on X Friday, "We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Indian student Harsimrat Randhawa in Hamilton, Ontario."
The official added, "As per local police, she was an innocent victim, fatally struck by a stray bullet during a shooting incident involving two vehicles. A homicide investigation is currently underway. We are in close contact with her family and are extending all necessary assistance. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family during this difficult time."
The Hamilton Police in a statement said that at around 7:30 pm local time, it received reports of a shooting near Upper James and South Bend Road streets in Hamilton. When police arrived, they found Randhawa with a gunshot wound to the chest. She was rushed to a hospital, but succumbed.
Through collected video, investigators have determined that a passenger of a black car fired at the occupants of a white sedan. Shortly after the shooting, the vehicles left the scene.
Shots from the shooting incident also entered the rear window of a residence nearby where the occupants were watching television a few feet away. No one was injured in the home, police said.
Investigators are asking anyone with dashcam or security camera footage between 7:15 pm and 7:45 pm near the shooting area to contact authorities and provide any information that can help further the investigation.
With PTI inputs
