Indian student killed by stray bullet in shootout in Canada's Hamilton

New Delhi, April 19: A 21-year-old Indian student was fatally shot by a stray bullet while waiting at a bus stop in Hamilton, Canada, on Friday evening, in what police are calling a tragic case of an innocent bystander caught in crossfire.

Harsimrat Randhawa, a student at Mohawk College and originally from India, was struck in the chest during a shootout between occupants of two vehicles near the intersection of Upper James Street and South Bend Road, according to a report by CBC News, a Canadian news outlet.

Hamilton police confirmed in a statement that the shooting occurred around 7:30 p.m. “Randhawa was standing at a bus stop on her way to work when the gunfire erupted,” the release noted. Emergency responders found her with a gunshot wound to the chest and rushed her to the hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

According to investigators, as reported by the media the shooter was a passenger in a black Mercedes SUV who opened fire at a white sedan. The white vehicle was last seen heading north on Upper James, while the Mercedes fled west on South Bend Road. Bullets also pierced a home on nearby Allenby Avenue, where residents were watching television, though no injuries were reported there. “This was a senseless act of violence, and we believe Harsimrat was an innocent bystander,” police reiterated, appealing to the public for any dashcam or security footage recorded in the area between 7:15 and 7:45 p.m.

In a statement posted to social media platform X, the Consulate General of India in Toronto expressed its condolences and condemned the incident. “We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Indian student Harsimrat Randhawa in Hamilton, Ontario,” the consulate wrote. “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.”

Mohawk College also issued a statement expressing grief over the loss. “We are deeply saddened to learn of Harsimrat’s death,” the college said. “As a member of the Mohawk College community, we know this loss is being felt by many, and we will do everything we can to support Harsimrat’s friends, family and the broader college community.” Authorities continue to investigate the shooting and have asked anyone with information or relevant footage to come forward.