Family of Indian student shot in Canada seeks Centre, Punjab government's help to get body back

NEW DELHI: The family of Indian student who was shut dead in Canada has sought help from the Centre and Punjab government to get her body back. The 21-year-old Harsimrat Kaur Randhawa was a student at Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario.

She lost her life after being struck by a stray bullet while waiting at a bus stop on her way to work. The shots were reportedly fired from a passing vehicle.

"We came to know from our relatives yesterday. She was standing on the road and then a bullet hit her," her grandfather Sukhwinder Singh said.

The Consulate General of India in Toronto expressed condolence over the death and said on Friday, "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," the official said.

"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," they added.

In a statement, Hamilton Police said they responded to reports of a shooting near Upper James Street and South Bend Road. Upon arrival, officers found Randhawa with a gunshot wound to the chest. She was immediately taken to the hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.