HAMILTON (Ontario): A 21-year-old Indian student, Harsimrat Randhawa, tragically lost her life after being struck by a stray bullet while waiting at a bus stop in Hamilton on Wednesday evening.
Randhawa, a student at Mohawk College, was an innocent bystander when gunfire erupted during a shootout between two vehicles. The incident occurred around 7:30 PM local time near Upper James Street and South Bend Road.
Hamilton Police confirmed that Randhawa had no connection to the altercation. According to investigators, shots were fired from a black sedan targeting occupants of a white sedan. In the exchange, Randhawa was struck in the chest. She was rushed to the hospital by paramedics but later succumbed to her injuries.
The gunfire also damaged a nearby home on Allenby Avenue. A bullet shattered a rear window while residents were inside watching television. Fortunately, no injuries were reported at the residence.
The Consulate General of India in Toronto expressed deep sorrow over Randhawa’s death in a post 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. 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.”
Hamilton Police have launched a homicide investigation and are appealing to the public for assistance. Investigators are asking anyone with dashcam or security footage from the area between 7:15 PM and 7:45 PM on Wednesday to come forward.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Hamilton Police or Crime Stoppers to assist in bringing those responsible to justice.
