Out to celebrate friend’s birthday, two Punjab youths shot in Canada

Two youths from Budhlada in Mansa district were shot dead in southeast Edmonton, Canada, in the early hours of Friday in what the police believe was a targeted attack.

The deceased have been identified as 27-year-old Gurdeep Singh of Bareh village and 20-year-old Ranveer Singh of Uddat Saidewala village. Both had gone to Canada for better career prospects.

According to information shared with Gurdeep’s family by his cousin Arshdeep, they along with some friends were on their way to celebrate a friend’s birthday when unidentified persons suddenly opened fire on their SUV.

In a media release, the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) said it received reports of gunshots around 1.43 am on Friday in the 32 Street and 26 Avenue area. Upon arrival, officers found two men with gunshot wounds.

The police attempted life-saving measures until emergency medical services arrived, but both victims were pronounced dead at the scene. The EPS Homicide Section has taken over the probe and autopsies are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday.

The police are searching for a dark-coloured SUV that may have been in the area at the time of the shooting. Investigators have urged anyone in the vicinity of Silverberry Road and 23 Avenue, as well as 34 Street and 29 Street, who may have dash cam or security footage from 2 pm on Thursday to 2.30 am on Friday, to contact the police.

Ranveer was only child of his parents

Ranveer’s uncle Mandeep Gill said, “My nephew had gone to Canada on a study visa and was living in Brampton. He wanted to move to the US and had gone for an interview in Calgary. From there, he went to Edmonton on a friend’s invitation to stay with them. He was driving the car when some shooters opened fire. Ranveer was the only child of his parents. He had no enmity with anyone. The shooters must have come to target someone else. While Ranveer died of bullet injuries, Gurdeep who was sitting beside him reportedly died due to shock.”

Gurdeep was to visit India next month

The second victim, Gurdeep, was married about five years ago and was planning to visit India next month. His uncle Darshan Singh said, “Gurdeep’s wife has also applied to go to Canada. However, destiny had planned something else. Just two hours before the shooting, we had spoken to him over the phone. My son Arshdeep was also with them. He told us that Gurdeep did not suffer a bullet injury, but died due to shock. We appeal to both the state and central governments to help us bring his body back. His parents own just three to four acres of land.”