Ottawa/New Delhi, Apr 19 (UNI) A 21-year-old Indian student, Harsimrat Randhawa, died after being hit by a stray bullet, during a shooting incident between people in two vehicles, in Ontario, Canada.
The Indian consulate general in Toronto expressed sadness over her tragic death, and said they are in close touch with her family and extending all help.
“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.”
Harsimrat Randhawa, a student of Mohawk College, was waiting for the bus on the Hamilton Mountain on Thursday night, when she was fatally hit by a stray bullet.
Hamilton police acting Det. Sgt. Daryl Reid told reporters at the scene that Harsimrat Randhawa was waiting for the city bus on Upper James Street, near South Bend Road, around 7:30 p.m. when gunfire rang out on the busy thoroughfare.
The 21-year-old woman was struck in the chest by one of those bullets and later died of her injuries in hospital. Police described her as an “innocent bystander”, the Hamilton Spectator reported.
Reid told reporters at a press conference Friday that investigators believe there was a confrontation of some kind between people in two vehicles in the area — one a black Mercedes SUV and the other a white sedan.
During that altercation, Reid said multiple shots were fired from someone inside the Mercedes. One of those bullets hit Randhawa, who was at the southeast corner of the intersection.
Shortly after the shooting, Reid said the Mercedes fled westbound on South Bend Road West as the white sedan fled north on Upper James Street. He confirmed there were at least two people in each vehicle, but did not have any further information on the suspects.
Simran Singh, who identified himself as a relative of Randhawa, told reporters at the scene that Harsimrat had moved to Canada from India less than two years ago. He described her as “quiet” and “hardworking.”
“It’s very disturbing,” said an emotional Singh. “We are in shock.”
“As a community, we should be outraged,” said police Chief Frank Bergen, speaking at a news conference. “This is a young girl who had her whole life ahead of her and tragically lost her life because some thugs picked up a gun.”
Mayor Andrea Horwath called the fatal shooting a “senseless act of violence” in a statement on social media, describing Randhawa’s death as “devastating for our entire community.”
“On behalf of my council colleagues and the residents of Hamilton, I extend my deepest condolences to her family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” said Horwath.
Police are scouring the area for surveillance footage of the shooting, which saw gunfire exchanged as several vehicles drove along the busy street, noted Reid.
That stretch of Upper James includes a mix of residential and commercial properties, including homes, apartment buildings, standalone businesses, and plazas.
Randhawa happened to be standing at the bus stop alone at the time. Police aren’t sure where she was travelling to or from, but know that she was in the area before the suspects arrived.
Bergen, who described the suspects in the shooting as “punks” and “thugs”, called on anyone with information to come forward to police.
“This is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence in our city,” said Bergen. “As Chief, I am committing every available resource to find the person or persons responsible for this senseless killing. We will find you.”
Mohawk College spokesperson Sean Coffey said in a statement that the college was “deeply saddened” to learn of the death of Randhawa. He confirmed that she was enrolled in the occupational therapy assistant/physiotherapy assistant program.
“As a member of the Mohawk College community, we know this loss is being felt by many,” said Coffey. “We will do everything we can to support (Randhawa’s) friends, family and the broader college community.”
Reid said police have been in contact with Randhawa’s family in India, as well as relatives who live in the region.
The fatal shooting comes as Hamilton police have reported an increase in gun violence.
The latest incident marks at least the 11th shooting in the city so far this year, including one police-involved shooting in mid-March.
Marit Stiles, MPP for Davenport and Leader of Ontario's Official Opposition, said on X:
“Harsimrat Randhawa came to Ontario to study, to work hard, and to build a good life. She was only 21. She should still be here.
“I’m holding her loved ones, classmates, and everyone in Hamilton in my thoughts tonight.”
Donna Skelly, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, said:
“My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of 22 year old Harsimrat Randhawa, an innocent bystander who died from a stray bullet while waiting for a bus Thursday evening on Hamilton mountain.”
UNI RN