Indian Student from Punjab Fatally Shot in Hamilton, Canada: Police Confirm She Was an Innocent Bystander

In a deeply tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through the international student community in Canada, a young Indian student from Punjab, Harsimrat Randhawa, was allegedly shot and killed while waiting at a bus stop in Hamilton, Ontario, on Thursday evening.

According to the Hamilton Police Service, the shooting took place at approximately 7:30 pm local time. Randhawa, a 21-year-old student enrolled at Mohawk College, was standing at a bus stop, preparing to catch public transport for her workplace, when the fatal incident unfolded.

Authorities revealed that the young woman was not the intended target of the assailants. Preliminary investigations suggest that the violence stemmed from a confrontation involving two vehicles — a black Mercedes SUV and a white sedan.

According to police reports, shots were fired from the black SUV towards the white sedan during the altercation, and Randhawa was tragically struck in the chest by one of the bullets.

Emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene, and Randhawa was rushed to a nearby hospital. Unfortunately, despite medical efforts, she succumbed to her injuries.

Both vehicles involved in the shooting reportedly sped away from the area moments after the incident, leaving behind stunned bystanders and an ongoing sense of panic in the neighborhood.

Adding to the gravity of the situation, law enforcement noted that some of the stray bullets also struck the back window of a nearby house, where residents were sitting in the living room watching television. Fortunately, no one inside the residence was injured.

At this stage, the Hamilton Police have not yet made any arrests, and a homicide investigation is actively underway. Authorities are urging members of the public who may have witnessed the incident or possess security camera or dashcam footage from the vicinity to come forward and assist in the identification of the suspects.

The incident has not only devastated Randhawa’s family but has also reignited conversations around rising violence in Canadian cities and the risks faced by international students living far away from home.

Community members, as well as student associations, have voiced concerns about public safety and the need for stronger measures to protect innocent bystanders in areas known for such disputes.

In a statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the Consulate General of India in Toronto expressed deep sorrow over the student’s untimely death. The official statement read:

“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.”

Randhawa had moved to Canada in pursuit of higher education and was known to be hard-working and ambitious, hoping to carve out a better future for herself and her family. Friends and peers describe her as cheerful, kind, and dedicated both to her studies and part-time work.

In a statement issued to CBC News, representatives from Mohawk College also shared their grief over the loss. The college administration said:

“We are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Harsimrat Randhawa, a valued member of our student community. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this profoundly difficult time. We recognize that this tragic event is affecting many, and we remain committed to offering every possible support to Harsimrat’s friends, classmates, and the broader Mohawk College community.”

The tragedy has highlighted not only the human cost of random violence but also the emotional vulnerability of international students, many of whom are navigating life abroad with limited support networks.

The Canadian authorities have pledged to pursue the case rigorously and bring those responsible to justice. As the investigation continues, friends, classmates, and members of the local Indian diaspora are gathering to remember Randhawa and offer solidarity to her grieving family.