A 21-year-old Indian student, Harsimrat Randhawa, tragically lost her life after being struck by a stray bullet during a shooting incident in Hamilton, Ontario, according to Canadian authorities. The Consulate General of India in Toronto confirmed her death, describing her as an “innocent victim” and offering condolences to her grieving family.
The fatal shooting occurred around 7:30 p.m. on Thursday evening near the intersection of Upper James Street and South Bend Road. Randhawa, a student at Mohawk College, was waiting at a bus stop on her way to work when she was shot in the chest. Emergency responders rushed her to the hospital, but she was later pronounced dead.
Hamilton Police, in a statement released Friday, confirmed that Randhawa was an “innocent bystander” caught in the crossfire of a violent exchange between two vehicles. Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators shows that shots were fired from a black Mercedes SUV aimed at individuals in a white sedan. Following the shooting, the white vehicle fled north on Upper James Street, while the SUV was seen heading west on South Bend Road.
The gunfire also posed a threat to nearby residents. A bullet shattered the rear window of a home on Allenby Avenue, where people were reportedly watching television at the time. Fortunately, no additional injuries were reported from inside the residence.
The Indian consulate expressed deep sorrow over Randhawa’s death and said it is providing support to her family. “We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Indian student Harsimrat Randhawa in Hamilton, Ontario,” the consulate said in a post on social media platform X. “As per local police, she was an innocent victim, fatally struck by a stray bullet during a shooting incident involving two vehicles.”
Mohawk College, where Randhawa was pursuing her studies, also issued a statement mourning her death. “Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult time. 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,” the college said.
Hamilton police have launched a homicide investigation and are appealing to the public for assistance. Authorities are requesting anyone with dashcam or security camera footage from the area between 7:15 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. to come forward.
No arrests have been made so far, and the investigation remains ongoing.
