Tarn Taran student killed by stray bullet in Canada firing

A 21-year-old student hailing from Tarn Taran in Punjab and studying in Canada’s Hamilton was killed after she was accidentally hit by a stray bullet during a shooting incident.

The deceased, identified as Harsimrat Randhawa, was studying at Mohawk College. She was standing at a bus stop on her way to work when she was killed. According to the Hamilton police, they received reports of a shooting near Upper James and South Bend Road at 7.30 pm on April 17. “When the police arrived, they found a 21-year-old female with a gunshot wound to the chest. She was transported to a hospital and later died from her injuries,” the police said. After collecting relevant videos, including the CCTV feed, the investigators found that a passenger of a black Mercedes SUV had fired at the occupants of a white sedan, and Harsimrat was caught in between. The two cars quickly fled the scene after the shooting.

“Bullets had also entered the rear window of a residence on Allenby Avenue where the occupants were watching television a few feet away. Fortunately, no one was injured,” the police said.

While there was no video of the incident, the police believe that Harsimrat was an innocent bystander who was struck by a stray bullet during the gunfire.

“Investigators are asking anyone with dashcam or security camera footage between 7.15 pm and 7.45 pm near Upper James and South Bend,” the police said, adding the probe was still on.

Meanwhile, the Indian consulate in Toronto confirmed the incident and expressed condolences.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Harsimrat in Hamilton, Ontario. As per the 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 consulate said.

Meanwhile, the family of the student has urged the Centre and the Punjab Government for their assistance in bringing back her body.

“We came to know from our relatives yesterday. She was standing on the road and then a bullet hit her,” Harsimrat’s grandfather Sukhwinder Singh in said Tarn Taran. The family urged both governments to expedite the process to bring back her body to India.

Punjab