Subhechcha Ganguly 
In a heartbreaking incident, a 21-year-old Indian international student, Harsimrat Randhawa, was killed after being struck by a stray bullet during a drive-by shooting in Hamilton, Ontario, on Thursday evening.
According to Hamilton Police, the victim was an innocent bystander waiting at a bus stop on her way to work when gunfire erupted between two vehicles. The shooting occurred around 7:30 p.m., and Randhawa, a student at Mohawk College, suffered a gunshot wound to the chest. She was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to her injuries.
Video evidence revealed that a passenger in a black Mercedes SUV opened fire on a white sedan, which then fled the scene. Stray bullets also entered a nearby residence where people were watching television, though no additional injuries were reported.
“This is a young girl who had her whole life ahead of her and tragically lost her life because some thugs picked up a gun,” Hamilton Police Chief Frank Bergen said during a press conference.
Authorities have launched a homicide investigation and are urging witnesses to come forward with any information.
India’s Consulate in Toronto expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and stated that they are in contact with Randhawa’s family, providing them with all necessary support. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family during this difficult time,” the Consulate posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The investigation remains ongoing.
