Two Punjab men shot dead in Canada’s Edmonton; families suspect mistaken identity
PTC Web Desk: Two young men from Punjab were shot dead in Canada’s Edmonton city in what their families believe may be a case of mistaken identity, as the victims had no known enmity with anyone.
The incident took place in the early hours of Friday (local time) when the two men were sitting inside a car after attending a friend’s birthday party. Family members said the assailants arrived in another vehicle, opened fire at close range, and fled the spot immediately.
According to the family, Ranvir was seated in the driver’s seat, with Gurdeep sitting beside him, while a few others were in the back seat. Ranvir was hit by a bullet while Gurdeep is believed to have suffered injuries from shrapnel.
Ranvir’s uncle, Mandeep Singh, said the family strongly suspects the attack was not meant for them, as the car did not belong to the victims. “Ranvir never had any rivalry, dispute, or even a minor altercation with anyone. We believe the attackers may have been targeting someone else,” he said.
Ranvir was the only child of his parents and hailed from a farming family in Punjab. Several of his relatives are settled in Canada. Described by his family as intelligent and academically inclined, Ranvir had been encouraged to prepare for competitive examinations in India, but he was keen on building his future abroad.
The Canadian police are investigating the double murder, while the families await further details and clarity on the motive behind the shooting.
- With inputs from agencies
