In a tragic incident that has shaken the Indian student community abroad, a 21-year-old Indian student, Harsimrat Randhawa, was shot dead by a stray bullet while waiting at a bus stop in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The incident occurred on Thursday evening (local time), and police have confirmed she was an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire.
Randhawa, a student at Mohawk College, was on her way to work when gunfire broke out between occupants of two cars—a black Mercedes SUV and a white sedan. According to Hamilton Police and Canadian media reports, a passenger in the SUV fired at the sedan near Upper James Street and South Bend Road around 7:30 PM. A bullet struck Randhawa in the chest. Despite being rushed to a hospital, she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Hamilton Police stated on social media, “Hamilton Police are investigating after an innocent bystander was tragically killed by a stray bullet while standing at a bus stop on Upper James in #HamOnt.” They confirmed she had no involvement in the altercation.
Hamilton Police are investigating after an innocent bystander was tragically killed by a stray bullet while standing at a bus stop on Upper James in #HamOnt. Read More: https://t.co/TApLRQpxt9
— Hamilton Police (@HamiltonPolice) April 18, 2025
The gunfire also reached a nearby home on Allenby Avenue, shattering rear windows while residents were inside. Thankfully, no other injuries were reported.
The Consulate General of India in Toronto expressed deep condolences and confirmed they are in contact with her family, offering full support. Mohawk College also issued a statement mourning the loss of their student and extending condolences to her family and friends.
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…
— IndiainToronto (@IndiainToronto) April 18, 2025
Hamilton Police have launched a homicide investigation and are appealing to the public for assistance. Anyone with dashcam or security footage between 7:15 PM and 7:45 PM on the day of the incident is urged to come forward.
