In a deeply tragic incident that has shaken both Canadian and Indian communities, 21-year-old Indian student Harsimrat Randhawa was fatally shot by a stray bullet while waiting at a bus stop in Hamilton, Ontario. The young student, enrolled at Mohawk College, was preparing to head to work when the fatal shooting occurred on Wednesday evening.
The Hamilton Police Service confirmed that Randhawa was an innocent bystander, caught in the crossfire of a violent altercation between the occupants of two vehicles. According to investigators, the gunfire erupted near Upper James and South Bend Road around 7:30 PM local time. Randhawa was struck in the chest by a bullet and was rushed to a nearby hospital, but tragically succumbed to her injuries.
#WATCH: Chief Frank Bergen Of Hamilton Police Services Sends Strong Message To The “Thugs” Involved In Shooting That Took The Life Of An Innocent Bystander ‘Harsimrat Randhawa’ ️ pic.twitter.com/saLoDK1xyQ
— 401_da_sarpanch (@401_da_sarpanch) April 18, 2025
Consulate General of India Expresses Grief, Offers Support
The Consulate General of India in Toronto reacted to the heartbreaking news on Friday, posting on X (formerly Twitter): “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.”
The Consulate also confirmed that it is providing assistance to Randhawa’s grieving family and remains in close contact with both Canadian authorities and the bereaved relatives.
Shooting Incident: What We Know So Far
The investigation has revealed that the shots were fired from a black vehicle targeting a white sedan, and both vehicles fled the scene moments later. Adding to the gravity of the incident, some of the bullets also pierced through the rear window of a nearby house where residents were watching television. Fortunately, no one inside the home was injured.
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Hamilton Police are appealing to the public for assistance, especially anyone who might have dashcam or security footage from the area between 7:15 PM and 7:45 PM on the day of the shooting. Authorities believe public cooperation could be critical in identifying the suspects and securing justice for Randhawa.
A Life Cut Short Abroad
Randhawa, like thousands of other Indian students, had moved to Canada in pursuit of academic and professional opportunities. Her untimely death has reignited concerns over the safety of international students in North America, particularly as gun violence continues to plague many Canadian cities.
This tragic episode also casts a spotlight on the broader issue of crossfire casualties and stray bullet deaths, a phenomenon that has been a growing concern in urban Canada.
Community Reaction
The Indian diaspora and student community in Hamilton have organized vigils and are expected to hold a memorial service in the coming days. Friends described Randhawa as “a kind-hearted and hardworking young woman” whose life was full of promise.
Meanwhile, both Indian and Canadian authorities have condemned the violence, emphasizing the need for swift justice and greater measures to ensure the safety of international students.
