'Suspect it was a hate crime': family of 21-year-old who was killed in Canada

The family of a 21-year-old student who was shot dead in Canada's Toronto on Thursday said that they have no clarity from authorities about the motive of the crime but they suspect that it was a hate crime.

Speaking to Indian Express, Kartik Vasudev's parents said that they will knock on every door to get justice.

21-year-old Kartik from Ghaziabad had gone to Toronto to study global management from Seneca University and was in his first year. He was shot on Thursday while he was on his way to work at a local restaurant.

According to Canadian police, Kartik was shot eight times.

Vasudev received medical attention from an off-duty paramedic and was taken to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries, the Toronto Police Service said in a statement.

The homicide squad of the Toronto Police Service has taken over the investigation.

Investigators would like to speak to any witnesses that were in the area at the time, as well as any drivers or businesses that have camera footage, the police said.

“We are shocked & distressed at the unfortunate killing of Indian student Kartik Vasudev in a shooting incident in Toronto yesterday,” the Consulate General of India wrote in a statement posted on Twitter on Friday.

“We are in touch with the family and will provide all possible assistance in the early repatriation of mortal remains," it said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed grief at the killing.

“Grieved by this tragic incident. Deepest condolences to the family,” Jaishankar tweeted.

The victim's father, Jitesh Vasudev said, “We have lost everything,” “He was just trying to fulfil his dreams, it was his dream to come to Canada," he told Toronto Star.

According to his father, Vasudev had spent the last three years studying hard to be accepted into the school in Toronto.

He was particularly drawn to the safety and opportunities in Canada, his father said, adding he had made friends and had just got a part-time job at the Mexican restaurant just two weeks ago.

The last time he and his wife spoke to their son was Thursday afternoon.