Who Was Harsimrat Randhawa? Indian Student Killed By Stray Bullet In Canada

Harsimrat Kaur Randhawa, a 21-year-old student from Punjab, had travelled to Canada in hopes of a better future. Like many young students, she moved abroad for higher education, enrolling at Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario. What began as a journey of ambition ended in a tragedy that shook her family and community, both in Canada and back in India.

The Day It Happened 

On a regular weekday, Harsimrat left her home to catch a bus, like she always did. She was on her way to work, likely thinking about the tasks ahead or maybe missing her family back home. But within moments, her routine turned fatal.

According to Hamilton Police, around 7:30 PM local time, gunfire broke out near the intersection of Upper James Street and South Bend Road. It was reportedly a targeted shooting between two vehicles. But tragically, one of the bullets struck Harsimrat, who was standing at a nearby bus stop, waiting to begin her shift. She was rushed to a hospital with a gunshot wound to the chest but did not survive.

An Innocent Bystander 

Police confirmed that Harsimrat had no involvement with the individuals or the incident. She was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, an innocent bystander caught in a violent act that had nothing to do with her.

The investigation revealed that shots were fired from a black car toward a white sedan. After the incident, both vehicles fled the scene. One of the bullets even hit a nearby home where a family was watching television, though no one inside was harmed.

This incident has once again sparked conversations around safety for international students, especially young women living alone in unfamiliar countries. The family expressed concern over the rise in gun-related violence in cities like Hamilton. They are also demanding justice for Harsimrat and strict action against those involved.

A Family's Grief and Plea 

Back in Dhunda village, in Punjab's Tarn Taran district, Harsimrat's family is reeling from the shock. Her grandfather, Sukhwinder Singh, described her as a bright and hopeful young woman. Speaking through tears, he said the family could not believe their beloved daughter's life had ended like this.

Her father, Vikram Singh Randhawa, said he had sent his daughter to Canada believing it was a safe and secure place. "Had we known about this kind of violence, we would never have let her go," he said. The family is now urging the Indian government to speed up the process of bringing Harsimrat's body back home so that they can perform her last rites.

The Official Response 

The Consulate General of India in Toronto expressed deep sorrow over Harsimrat's death and confirmed that they are working closely with her family. In a public statement, they described her as an "innocent victim" and extended full support to her loved ones.

Meanwhile, Hamilton Police have launched a homicide investigation and are requesting anyone with dashcam or security footage from the area during that time to come forward.