A peasant family from Gujjarwal village is grappling with a double tragedy after learning that their daughter, Mandeep Kaur, who had moved to Canada seeking better opportunities, was brutally killed.
The family was still coming to terms with the news that Mandeep had died in a road accident about a month ago, when they were shocked to learn that her husband’s younger brother, Gurjot Singh Khaira, has been accused of her murder.
The Delta Police in Canada have arrested Gurjot Singh Khaira, charging him with second-degree murder and indignity to human remains. The family, however, is struggling to understand how to pursue the case and ensure justice for Mandeep.
Jagdev Singh Jaggie, Mandeep’s father, said his daughter had moved to Canada six years ago for her studies and had married into a family from Lodhiwal near Sidhwan Bet village about seven months ago.
“Although I was living in another part of Canada with my son’s family, I never imagined that Mandeep’s life could be in danger,” he said.
He received news of the fatal car accident two days after it occurred. It was only after Mandeep’s cremation on November 6 that the family learned about the alleged indignity committed by Gurjot Singh, who reportedly moved her body. Initially, Gurjot Singh was charged with indignity to human remains, and on November 25, the Crown Counsel approved an additional charge of second-degree murder.
The family learned about the murder charge only after Jagdev Singh returned home from immersing his daughter’s ashes in holy waters.
Mandeep’s mother, Jaswinder Kaur, remains in shock and is seeking clarity about the events leading to her daughter’s death.
Jagdev Singh Jaggie has stated that he plans to return to Canada to uncover the truth behind his daughter’s tragic fate.
