Nangal/Toronto: Tarun Bali, a police constable of Punjab origin serving with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in Canada, died after sustaining critical injuries while on duty in Ontario. The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through his family, friends and residents of Naya Nangal’s Shivalik Avenue, where the family originally lived.
Tarun Bali, the younger son of Ashok Bali and Neena Bali, was a resident of Shivalik Avenue in Naya Nangal before the family moved to Toronto, Canada. He had joined the Ontario Provincial Police around two-and-a-half years ago and was serving with the Dufferin Detachment. At the time of the incident, he was posted on a special assignment with the James Bay Detachment.
According to the Ontario Provincial Police, the incident occurred around 12:30 pm on Tuesday near Kendall Concession Road 7 and Concession Road 6 in the Hearst area of Ontario. A police team was carrying out an investigation when Constable Bali suffered severe injuries during the operation.
Emergency responders attempted to save his life, but he later succumbed to his injuries in hospital. Another police officer was also seriously injured in the incident and is receiving treatment.
Initial investigations suggest that an 18-year-old suspect, who had reportedly fled from a hospital, allegedly struck Constable Bali with a vehicle. Police arrested the suspect shortly after the incident and have charged him with first-degree murder.
The Ontario Provincial Police confirmed the death of Constable Bali and said its Criminal Investigation Branch is probing the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service are also assisting in the investigation.
Tarun Bali had married Komal, a woman of Punjabi origin living in Canada, around two years ago. News of his death has left his family devastated and cast a pall of gloom over Naya Nangal and the Shivalik Avenue locality.
Officials said Constable Bali’s body will be transported to Toronto for post-mortem examination and further procedures. As a mark of respect, a special convoy of emergency vehicles is expected to accompany his body during the nearly 10-hour journey to the Chief Coroner’s Office.
The death of the young officer has prompted an outpouring of grief from both the Canadian policing community and members of the Punjabi diaspora, who have paid tribute to his service and sacrifice.
