Gagandeep Singh, a 21-year-old international student from Kotkapura, Faridkot, Punjab, was fatally shot in the early hours of July 21, 2024, outside a motel in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. The incident occurred while Singh was on duty, picking up passengers for a local transportation company.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has taken over the investigation into Singh's death. Authorities confirmed the shooting as a targeted incident, though they have stated it is not linked to gang activity. The fatal encounter unfolded around 1:30 AM Pacific Time.

Gagandeep Singh had been residing in Canada for approximately two years, having arrived as an international student with aspirations to build a better future for himself and his family in India. He was diligently working as a driver for a local transportation company to support himself and to send remittances back home. Reports from the scene indicate that Singh's younger brother was also present during the incident and sustained injuries. Family members and initial accounts suggest Gagandeep Singh may have been attempting to protect his brother when the fatal shots were fired. This detail is currently part of the ongoing investigation.

The tragic death of Gagandeep Singh has resonated deeply within the Indo-Canadian community, particularly among the large population of international students from Punjab. Many community members have expressed profound shock and concern over safety, especially for individuals working late-night shifts in the service industry, a common practice for international students supporting their education and living expenses abroad. The incident has highlighted vulnerabilities faced by this demographic.

Singh's family in Kotkapura, Punjab, has been left devastated by the sudden loss. Relatives have appealed for urgent assistance from the Indian and Canadian governments, as well as community organizations, to facilitate the repatriation of his body to India for final rites. They described Gagandeep as a hardworking, responsible individual who was the primary hope and support for his family. The financial and emotional burden on the family is immense.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) continues its detailed probe into the circumstances surrounding Singh's death. Authorities are urging anyone with information, dashcam footage, or surveillance video from the area of the incident to come forward to assist in identifying the perpetrators and establishing a clear motive. As the investigation progresses, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and dangers faced by some international students, prompting renewed calls for enhanced safety measures and support systems for this community. Efforts by community groups and the family to arrange the transport of Singh's remains to India are ongoing.