Karnataka Engineer Fatally Shot in Toronto Mall Parking Lot
In a tragic incident that has shocked the Indian community, a 37-year-old engineer from Nelamangala near Bengaluru was reportedly shot dead in Toronto, Canada. The victim, identified as Chandan Kumar Raja Nandakumar, was found with gunshot wounds in the parking lot of Woodbine Shopping Centre on Saturday, February 7. According to the Toronto police, officers responded to a call at around 3:31 pm and transported him to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Family's Desperate Plea for Government Assistance
Chandan's father, Nandan Kumar, who resides in Nelamangala, has appealed to the Indian government for help in bringing his son's body back to India. "I pleaded with him to return, but he was prolonging it. He had a good friend circle there and liked living there. He was scheduled to visit in April," said Nandan Kumar. He added, "I cannot go to Canada. I request that the Indian government bring his body to India. We want to perform his final rites." The family initially received a confusing phone call about the incident, with an Indian later confirming Chandan's death.
Details of the Shooting and Investigation
The Toronto police have stated that it is still unclear whether the shooting was targeted or random. No arrests have been made so far, and authorities are seeking information from the public. Dhanush Manivannan, an eyewitness working at a cellphone kiosk near the scene, reported that the mall was busy at the time, but no one heard the shots. "We did not know this was a crime scene until they started taping the doors off," he said, adding that suspects did not enter the mall.
Chandan's Background and Community Involvement
Chandan Kumar had moved to Canada six years ago and was working with a private firm. He was an active member of the Kannadiga community in Canada, often organizing pro-Kannada events. A graduate of Saptagiri College of Engineering in Bengaluru, he was well-regarded among his peers. Sources close to the family described him as a vibrant individual who enjoyed his life abroad, despite his father's wishes for him to return home.
The incident has highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by Indian expatriates and underscores the need for swift governmental action in such crises. As the investigation continues, the family awaits support to repatriate Chandan's body for a dignified farewell.
