Indian student killed by stray bullet in Canada amid rising violence

Harsimrat Randhawa, a 21-year-old Indian student from Mohawk College in Hamilton in Ontario tragically lost her life after being caught in a crossfire between two vehicles. She was waiting at a bus stop, on her way to work, when a stray bullet hit her in the chest. Despite being rushed to the hospital, she could not be saved.

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According to the Hamilton police, the shooting occurred near Upper James and South Bend Road. CCTV footage showed a person in black car firing at a white sedan before both vehicles fled the scene. One of the stray bullets also hit a nearby residence, though no one else was injured.

The Consulate General of India in Toronto expressed deep sorrow over the incident, confirming that Randhawa was an innocent bystander. They added that they are working closely with her family and providing all necessary assistance. An investigation is underway.

Harsimrat’s death marks the fourth such fatality involving Indian nationals in Canada within the past four months. In December 2024, Gurasis Singh was stabbed to death in his rental home, Rittika Rajput died after a tree fell on her during a bonfire, and Harshandeep Singh was shot by a gang in Edmonton. These incidents have raised alarm and led the Indian government to urge its citizens in Canada to remain vigilant amid rising hate crimes and violence.