A tragic incident unfolded in Hamilton, Ontario, on Wednesday evening when 21-year-old Indian student Harsimrat Randhawa was fatally struck by a stray bullet while waiting at a bus stop. Randhawa, a student at Mohawk College, was an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire of a shooting between two vehicles.
The incident occurred around 7:30 PM local time near the intersection of Upper James Street and South Bend Road. According to Hamilton police, a passenger in a black sedan opened fire on the occupants of a white sedan. During the exchange of gunfire, one of the bullets hit Randhawa in the chest. Paramedics arrived swiftly and transported her to the hospital, but she sadly succumbed to her injuries.
Police have confirmed that Randhawa had no connection to the individuals involved in the shooting. The senseless violence also impacted nearby homes. One residence on Allenby Avenue sustained damage when gunfire shattered a rear window while the residents were watching television. Fortunately, no one inside was harmed.
The Hamilton Police Service has launched a homicide investigation and is appealing to the public for assistance. Investigators are asking anyone with dashcam or security camera footage taken between 7:15 PM and 7:45 PM in the vicinity of Upper James Street and South Bend Road to come forward with any relevant information.
In response to the tragedy, the Consulate General of India in Toronto expressed deep sorrow. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), they stated, “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. 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.”
This devastating incident has reignited discussions around public safety and gun violence in Canada.
