Daijiworld Media Network - Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, May 28: A 22-year-old woman from Gujarat’s Anand district was stabbed to death in Canada’s Niagara region in a shocking incident that has left her family and hometown grieving.
The victim has been identified as Vidhi Megha, a native of Borsad town in Anand district, who had been living in Canada for the past four years for higher studies.
According to police, Vidhi was attacked in broad daylight and suffered fatal stab injuries. Local residents rushed her to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared her brought dead.
Authorities said Vidhi was pursuing law studies while also working part-time to support herself. She was reportedly preparing to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada.
The attack took place on May 15 after she left her residence in the Niagara area. Preliminary investigations suggest that the accused may have targeted her during an attempted robbery.
Police have arrested one suspect in connection with the case and launched a detailed investigation. However, officials are yet to confirm the exact motive behind the killing.
Vidhi’s family in Borsad remained unaware of the tragedy for several days. Relatives said they had been unable to contact her since May 16 and initially assumed she was busy with work or studies.
The family learnt about her death only after officials and police informed them through diplomatic channels.
News of the murder has sent shockwaves across Borsad and nearby areas, with residents expressing concern over the safety of Indian students abroad. Friends and acquaintances described Vidhi as hardworking and ambitious, focused on building a future in Canada.
The incident has once again raised concerns over attacks on Indian nationals and international students overseas. In recent years, several cases involving assaults, robberies, and violent crimes against Indian-origin residents and students have been reported from different countries.
Canadian police are continuing the investigation and questioning the arrested suspect. More details are expected to emerge as the probe progresses.
Meanwhile, Vidhi’s family is awaiting further updates regarding the repatriation of her body.
The latest incident comes just two months after another Indian student, Gurkirat Singh Manocha from Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain, died following an alleged assault in Fort St John, British Columbia.
Manocha had moved to Canada around 15 months ago. His family alleged that he was attacked by a group of 10 to 12 people while returning from work over an old dispute and was later run over by a vehicle.
Police had responded to reports of a late-night altercation near the Charlie Lake boat ramp on March 13 and found Manocha critically injured. Though he was taken to hospital by friends, he later succumbed to injuries.
Canada’s RCMP Major Crimes Unit is investigating that incident, though no arrests were immediately made.