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2 men from Punjab’s Mansa, aged 18 & 27, shot dead in targeted attack in Canada’s Edmonton
Police say killings were not random; families in Punjab’s Mansa district mourn
Both were reportedly on their way to attend a friend’s birthday party when they were fired upon. (Image Modified with AI)
Two men from Punjab were shot dead in what police described as a targeted attack in Canada’s southeast Edmonton early Friday, triggering grief back in their home villages in Mansa district and concern among the Punjabi diaspora.
The victims, Gurdeep Singh, 27, from Bareh village, and Ranveer Singh, 18, from Uddat Saidewala village near Budhlada, were reportedly on their way to attend a friend’s birthday party when they were fired upon.
The Edmonton Police Service said it received reports of gunshots at around 1.43 am on December 12 in the area of 32 Street and 26 Avenue. Responding officers found two men suffering from gunshot wounds inside or near a vehicle. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by the police and emergency medical services, both were declared dead at the scene, it said.
Police classified the case as a targeted shooting and handed over the investigation to the homicide section. Investigators said the incident did not appear to be random, but no motive was disclosed so far. Autopsies are scheduled for December 16 and 17.
As part of the probe, according to information, police are looking for information related to a dark-coloured SUV seen in the area around the time of the shooting. They have appealed for dashcam or security camera footage from nearby locations, including Silverberry Road and 23 Avenue, between 2 pm on December 11 and 2.30 am on December 12.
Family members said that both had moved to Canada for education and employment opportunities. Gurdeep had recently completed his studies and was awaiting a work permit.
According to relatives, they were informed about the incident by a friend, who said both were going to meet friends when unidentified assailants opened fire on their vehicle.
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The deaths cast a pall of gloom over Bareh and Uddat Saidewala villages, where residents described the victims as hardworking and ambitious.
Locals said the tragedy reflected the risks faced by many Punjabi youths, who travel abroad in search of better prospects.
Police said no arrests had been confirmed and urged anyone with information to come forward.
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