In a disturbing incident, a 21-year-old Indian student hailing from Punjab was shot dead in Hamilton, Canada. The 21-year-old girl has been identified as Harsimrat Randhawa, originally hailing from the village of Dhunda in Punjab’s Tarn Taran district. Harsimrat Randhawa was studying at Mohawk College in Hamilton. The Indian Embassy in Canada has also issued a statement on the unfortunate death of Harsimrat Randhawa.
As per the information received, Harsimrat was waiting for a bus at the Hamilton Bus Stand on her way to work when she was suddenly shot. She was immediately rushed to a hospital, but succumbed to her injuries. As per Hamilton Police, they received a call about a shooting near Upper James and South Bend Road at approximately 7:30 AM local time. On arrival at the scene, officers found Harsimrat with a gunshot wound to her chest. Despite efforts by medical personnel, she was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Why was Harsimrat Randhawa shot?
As per reports, the initial investigation has revealed that the shooting occurred during an exchange of gunfire between two vehicles. Harsimrat was not involved in the altercation and is believed to have been an innocent bystander tragically caught in the crossfire. In layman's language, Harsimrat Randhawa suffered a bullet wound while she was waiting for her bus and during that a shootout took place between two groups. One of the bullets hit Harsimrat Randhawa, leading to her death.
In the course of the shooting, a nearby house window was also shattered, though no other injuries were reported.
Indian Embassy in Canada posted on X, "We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Indian student Harsimrat Randhawa in Hamilton, Ontario. 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 grieving family has appealed to the Indian government to help facilitate the return of her mortal remains to India so that they can perform her last rites.