Chandigarh/Edmonton: The families of two young men from Punjab who were fatally shot in Canada are struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, as investigators have yet to determine a motive behind the attack and relatives fear it may have been a case of mistaken identity.
The victims, identified as Gurdeep Singh (27) of Barre village and Ranvir Singh (19) from Uddat Saidewala in Mansa district, were killed in the early hours of Friday in Edmonton. Both had been living in Canada for educational and work-related pursuits.
Family members said the shooting occurred shortly after the two stepped into a car while leaving a friend’s birthday celebration. Ranvir was behind the wheel, with Gurdeep seated beside him, when another vehicle pulled up and gunmen opened fire before speeding away.
According to Ranvir’s uncle, Mandeep Singh, the attack was sudden and unprovoked. Ranvir suffered a direct gunshot wound, while Gurdeep was believed to have been struck by fragments from the firing. Others in the car survived.
Relatives said neither of the young men had any known disputes or links to criminal activity. The family suspects the attackers may have been pursuing someone else, noting that the vehicle involved did not belong to the victims. “Ranvir had no history of conflict with anyone. We fear they were not the intended targets,” Mandeep Singh said.
Ranvir, an only child, had gone to Canada around 18 months ago to continue his studies. Gurdeep had moved there more than two years earlier and was awaiting clearance for a work permit. Both had family members settled abroad and were hopeful of building their futures overseas.
Canadian authorities are continuing their investigation, while the families in Punjab have appealed for clarity and justice, saying the lack of answers has deepened their grief.
