A 21-year-old Indian student was killed last Wednesday evening after a stray bullet tore through a Hamilton bus stop, in what police are treating as a targeted shooting gone tragically awry.
Victim Identified
The deceased has been named as Harsimrat Kaur Randhawa, originally from Dhunda village in Goindwal Sahib, Tarn Taran district, Punjab. Randhawa, who arrived in Canada two years ago to pursue higher education and a brighter future, was enrolled at Mohawk College in Hamilton.
Shooting at Bus Stop
According to Hamilton Police, the incident unfolded at approximately 7:30 p.m. local time near the intersection of Upper James Street and South Bend Road. Officers responding to gunfire reports found Randhawa suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest at a nearby bus shelter. Despite rushing her to the hospital, paramedics were unable to save her life.
Investigators say surveillance footage shows a black car and a white sedan exchanging fire. A passenger in the black vehicle allegedly opened fire on occupants of the white car; one of the rounds veered off course and struck Randhawa, who was waiting for public transit on her way to a part‑time job. Both vehicles fled the scene immediately after the shooting.
Community and Consular Response
News of Randhawa’s death sent shockwaves through her home village, where family members gathered in mourning. Her grandfather, Sukhwinder Singh, expressed profound sorrow, noting that his granddaughter had come to Canada to study and build a life.
Village head Jaswant Singh Dhunda, along with local leaders Malkeet Singh and Gurpreet Singh, has appealed to both the Indian central and Punjab governments for support in repatriating her body.
The Consulate General of India in Toronto issued a statement on Friday, conveying deep grief over the loss. “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,” the statement read.
Ongoing Investigation
Hamilton Police have launched a homicide probe and are urging anyone with dashcam or security camera footage between 7:15 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. in the vicinity of Upper James and South Bend to come forward. No injuries were reported inside a nearby residence, despite bullets shattering its rear window while occupants were inside watching television.
