Daijiworld Media Network- Ottawa

Ottawa, Apr 29: Tragedy struck the Indian community in Canada as Vanshika, a young student from Punjab, was found dead under mysterious circumstances after being reported missing for four days. The High Commission of India in Ottawa confirmed the heartbreaking news on Monday.

Vanshika, daughter of Devinder Singh, an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader from Dera Bassi, had moved to Ottawa two-and-a-half years ago to pursue higher education. She had gone missing on April 25 after leaving her residence at 7 Majestic Drive around 8–9 PM to inspect a rental room. Her phone was reportedly switched off later that night, and she failed to appear for an important exam the next day, an action described as highly uncharacteristic by her friends and family.

Following her disappearance, the Hindu community in Ottawa had issued a desperate appeal to the Ottawa Police Service, urging immediate action to trace Vanshika. "We are deeply worried and fearing the worst," the community wrote, highlighting the growing anxiety among Ottawa’s Indo-Canadian residents.

In a statement posted on social media platform 'X', the Indian High Commission expressed profound sorrow and assured that the matter had been taken up with Canadian authorities. "The cause of death is under active investigation by local police," the statement noted, adding that the High Commission remains in close contact with Vanshika’s family and local community associations to offer all possible support.

The discovery of Vanshika’s body has sent shockwaves through the community, with many demanding a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her tragic death.

Authorities are yet to release further details as investigations continue