37-year-old IT professional from Bengaluru killed in broad daylight; Canadian police probe motive
A 37-year-old Indian-origin tech professional from Karnataka was shot dead in broad daylight outside a busy shopping mall in Toronto, Canada, in what authorities suspect to be a targeted attack. The incident has shocked both the Indian diaspora in Canada and residents of his hometown in Bengaluru Rural district.
Incident Details
The shooting occurred on Saturday afternoon at the parking lot of Woodbine Shopping Centre in Etobicoke, Toronto. According to local police, emergency services responded to reports of gunfire around 3:30 p.m. Upon arrival, officers found the victim inside a white SUV with multiple gunshot wounds.
He was rushed to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. Visuals from the scene showed the vehicle riddled with bullet holes, indicating multiple rounds were fired.
Police have stated that the attack appears to be targeted and not a random act of violence. However, no arrests have been made so far. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from the area and have appealed to the public for any information that could assist in identifying the suspects.
Victim Identified
The deceased has been identified as Chandan Kumar Raja Nandakumar, originally from Thyamagondlu village near Nelamangala in Bengaluru Rural district, Karnataka.
Chandan had been living in Canada for approximately six years and was residing in Brampton, part of the Greater Toronto Area. An engineering graduate from Bengaluru, he was working as an IT professional with reputed technology firms in Canada.
Family in Shock
Family members in Karnataka expressed deep shock and grief over the tragic loss. Reports indicate that his father had repeatedly urged him to return to India, concerned about safety and distance from home.
Relatives described Chandan as a hardworking and community-oriented individual. Some family members have suggested that his involvement in organizing Kannada cultural events in Canada may have made him a target, though this claim has not been confirmed by Canadian authorities.
Investigation Underway
Toronto Police have classified the case as a homicide and are continuing their investigation. Officials have not yet disclosed a possible motive behind the attack or details about the suspects.
Authorities are examining surveillance footage and gathering witness statements to piece together the sequence of events.
The incident is reportedly among the early homicide cases recorded in Toronto this year, raising concerns about public safety in busy commercial areas.
Community Reaction
The Indian community in Canada has expressed concern and grief over the incident. Local leaders and community groups have extended condolences to the bereaved family.
Indian authorities are also reportedly in touch with Canadian officials to assist the family and facilitate necessary procedures.
