BATHINDA: A targeted shooting in Edmonton, Canada, has left two Punjabi students dead, sending shockwaves through the Budhlada sub-division of Punjab’s Mansa district.
The victims were identified as Gurdeep Singh (27) of Bareh village and Ranveer Singh (19) from Uddat Saidewala. Both had travelled to Canada at different times to pursue higher studies. Gurdeep had arrived around two-and-a-half years ago, completed his education and was awaiting approval of a work permit, with plans to bring his wife—whom he married in 2020—to Canada. Ranveer had moved to the country only recently.
The incident occurred shortly after 10 pm on December 12. According to Darshan Singh, Gurdeep’s uncle, details of the incident were shared by his son Arshdeep Singh, who was present nearby at the time. A party involving around a dozen friends had just concluded at a first-floor apartment.
As the gathering broke up, a few of the youths decided to head out for dinner and left in two cars. Ranveer Singh was driving one of the vehicles, with Gurdeep Singh seated beside him. Moments later, the car was ambushed and unidentified assailants opened fire before fleeing the scene.
Arshdeep, who had stayed back in the apartment, rushed downstairs on hearing the commotion. Ranveer was found dead at the spot. Gurdeep, though still breathing, had reportedly suffered injuries from shrapnel and then collapsed, apparently due to a sudden heart attack. Despite efforts to revive him with CPR, he could not be saved, Darshan Singh said while recounting Arshdeep’s account.
Police arrived at the scene soon after. Investigators initially detained all 10 friends present at the gathering and seized their mobile phones as part of the probe. They were later released following preliminary questioning but have been asked to return for further investigation on December 17. The post-mortem examinations are scheduled for December 16.
Police have described the shooting as a targeted incident and are searching for a dark-coloured SUV believed to have been in the area. Authorities have also appealed to the public for any dashcam or security footage recorded between 2 pm on December 11 and 2.30 am on December 12.
