Hamilton, April 24 – In a tragic turn of events, 21-year-old Indian student Harsimrat Randhawa lost her life after being caught in a gun battle between two vehicles in Hamilton, Canada. A second-year physiotherapy student at Mohawk College, Randhawa was waiting at a bus stop after leaving the gym when a stray bullet struck her. She died shortly after, leaving the Indian community in shock and mourning.
Police have identified the incident as a targeted shooting between occupants of a black Mercedes SUV and a white Hyundai Elantra. Officers believe the Elantra was the intended target, and Randhawa, an innocent bystander, was hit in the crossfire. The Mercedes was seized from a Hamilton residence and the Elantra was later found in Toronto. Both vehicles are now undergoing forensic examination.
Authorities have appealed for public cooperation as the investigation continues. The senseless killing has sparked outrage, especially within the international student community. Randhawa is the fourth Indian student to be killed in Canada in four months, raising alarm over the safety of students from abroad.
A candlelight vigil at Mohawk College saw an emotional outpouring, with friends describing her as kind and ambitious. Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath condemned the incident and called for urgent action on gun violence.
As Hamilton police work to identify the shooters, Randhawa’s death stands as a grim reminder of rising violence in Canadian cities and the growing vulnerability of international students.
