Fort St. John, B.C. (Rajeev Sharma)— A 25-year-old international student from Ujjain, India, has been identified as the victim of a fatal “altercation” that took place late Friday night, March 13, 2026, in northeastern British Columbia. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) identified the deceased as Gurkirat Singh Manocha, a business management student at Northern Lights College.
The incident occurred at approximately 11:10 PM at the Charlie Lake boat ramp, just outside Fort St. John. Despite life-saving efforts, Manocha succumbed to serious injuries sustained during the confrontation.
Incident and Investigation
According to the North District Major Crimes Unit, the investigation remains in its early stages but involves numerous individuals who were present at the scene.
- The Conflict: Initial reports suggest a dispute broke out among a group of youths. Manocha, who had moved to Canada 15 months ago to pursue a post-degree diploma, was caught in the altercation after finishing a shift at a local Walmart.
- Allegations of Assault: Family members in India, speaking to local media, alleged that Gurkirat was severely assaulted and potentially run over by a vehicle during the chaos.
- RCMP Response: Investigators have secured the scene and are reviewing dashcam footage and witness statements. While some suspects were reportedly detained and later released, no formal charges have been announced as of Tuesday.
International Outcry and Support
The death has triggered a wave of grief and calls for justice both in Canada and his hometown of Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
- Family’s Plea: Gurkirat’s older brother, Prabkirat Singh, and his father, Gurjeet Singh Manocha, are working with authorities to repatriate the body. The family has highlighted significant financial hurdles, including a reported $40,000 deposit requested for the release of the remains.
- Government Intervention: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav confirmed he has spoken with the family, assuring them that both the State and Union governments of India will provide full assistance for the final rites.
- College Statement: Northern Lights College expressed deep sadness over the “tragic incident” and is currently focusing on supporting the campus community and international student body.
A Growing Concern for Student Safety
Manocha’s death adds to a troubling tally of violent incidents involving Indian students in Canada. Official data from early 2026 indicates that 17 Indian students have been victims of fatal attacks in Canada since 2018—the highest among all major study-abroad destinations for Indian nationals.
“In this difficult time, we stand in solidarity with the bereaved family. Gurkirat was a promising student striving for a bright future,” stated a tribute from Akshat International School, where Manocha was an alumnus.
