Gujarat student stabbed to death in Canada; family informed after 12 days

AHMEDABAD: A 22-year-old student from Gujarat was allegedly stabbed to death in Canada’s Niagara region near the US border, leaving her family in Anand district devastated.

The deceased was identified as Vidhi Kalpeshbhai Megha, a native of Borsad town in Anand district.

Vidhi had been living in Canada for the last four years for higher studies. Along with pursuing her education, she was also working part-time and was reportedly preparing to obtain permanent residency (PR) in Canada.

According to family members, Vidhi last spoke to her father on May 14. She reportedly left her residence on May 15, after which she went missing. Her body was later recovered in the Niagara region, and Canadian authorities confirmed that she had been killed in a knife attack.

Sources said the family in Borsad was informed about the incident only on Wednesday, nearly 12 days after the incident. The delay in communication has added to the family’s trauma. Relatives said officials from New Delhi informed them about the incident.

Canadian police have registered a murder case and launched an investigation into the incident. Authorities are searching for the accused and probing the motive behind the attack.

Vidhi’s uncle also lives in Canada, though relatives said she had been staying separately for the last one-and-a-half years. Her younger brother Rudra lives with the family in Borsad.

The news of Vidhi’s death cast a pall of gloom over Borsad town as relatives and neighbours gathered at the family’s residence to console them. Her mother Vaishaliben Megha was inconsolable and not in a condition to speak, while other family members broke down repeatedly during mourning. Her aunt Snehal Megha was seen constantly sobbing over the loss.

“We have not even been able to see her face since May 14. We request the government to help bring her back as soon as possible. The accused should be arrested so that no other parents have to suffer like this,” Snehal Megha said.

Friends and relatives described Vidhi as a hardworking and ambitious student who was independently managing her studies and work abroad while planning to build her future in Canada.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the Indian community in Canada as well as among residents in Gujarat.