CHANDIGARH, Dec 16 — Relatives of two Indian students shot dead in Canada say investigators have yet to establish a motive, leaving the families struggling to understand why the young men were targeted.
Gurdeep Singh, 27, and Ranvir Singh, 19, both from Punjab, were killed early Friday local time while sitting inside a car in Edmonton, family members said. The shooting occurred moments after they left a friend’s birthday celebration.
“They had just stepped into the vehicle when another car pulled up and the shooting began,” said Mandeep Singh, Ranvir’s uncle. “The attackers escaped within seconds.”
Ranvir, the only child of his parents and the son of a farmer, was driving at the time of the attack, relatives said. Gurdeep was seated next to him, while others were in the back seat.
“Ranvir was a bright student with big dreams,” Mandeep Singh said. “We wanted him to prepare for competitive exams in India, but he was determined to build his future abroad.”
Family members said Ranvir had several relatives settled in Canada and had not reported any threats or disputes. Gurdeep, who had been living in Canada for more than two years, was in the process of securing a work permit.
“There was no conflict, no warning,” Mandeep Singh said. “That is why we fear this may have been a case of mistaken identity.”
Canadian authorities are continuing their investigation. The families have urged police to identify the attackers and determine whether the victims were unintentionally caught in a targeted attack.
“We want answers,” Mandeep Singh said. “Two innocent lives were lost, and their families deserve justice.”
Read more: Birthday outing ends in tragedy for Punjabi youths in Edmonton
