Bengaluru / Toronto: A 37-year-old Kannadiga youth from Bengaluru was shot dead in Canada in a late-night firing incident, triggering shock and grief among the Indian diaspora and raising fresh concerns over the safety of Indians abroad.
The Toronto Police Service has officially confirmed that the death of Chandan Kumar Raja Nandakumar (37), a Kannadiga man originally from Bengaluru, is being investigated as a homicide, following a shooting incident in Canada.
According to an official Toronto Police press release issued on Sunday, February 8, 2026, the incident occurred on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at approximately 3:31 pm, in the parking lot of Woodbine Shopping Centre, located in the Rexdale Boulevard and Highway 27 area.
“Officers arrived on scene and located a male victim with gunshot wounds.
The victim was transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries and later succumbed to his injuries,”
— Toronto Police Service, Homicide and Missing Persons Unit
Police identified the deceased as Chandan Kumar Raja Nandakumar, 37, of Brampton. Authorities confirmed that this case marks Toronto’s third homicide of 2026.
Chandan Kumar, a native of Nelamangala near Bengaluru, had been living in Canada for the past several years. Family members and friends described him as an active social worker within the Kannada and Indian community, known for helping newcomers with employment, housing, and community support.
Relatives said they were initially informed about the incident through late-night calls, with details becoming clear only after communication with local authorities. The family has since appealed to the Government of India and the Ministry of External Affairs for assistance in bringing his mortal remains back to India for last rites.
Toronto Police stated that the investigation is being handled by the Homicide and Missing Persons Unit and have appealed for public assistance.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7400 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477),”
— Toronto Police Service
As of now, police have not disclosed any information regarding suspects or motive, and the probe remains ongoing.
The killing has sent shockwaves through the Kannada diaspora in Canada, with community members expressing concern over rising incidents of gun violence and the safety of Indian nationals abroad.
Indian diplomatic officials are understood to be in touch with Canadian authorities as the investigation continues.
ಇದನ್ನೂ ಓದಿ: ಕೆನಡಾದಲ್ಲಿ ಕನ್ನಡಿಗನ ಹತ್ಯೆ: ಟೊರೊಂಟೊ ಪೊಲೀಸ್ ದೃಢೀಕರಣ, ಚಂದನ್ ಕುಮಾರ್ ಗುಂಡೇಟಿಗೆ ಬಲಿ
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