Bengaluru: A 37-year-old tech professional of Bengaluru origin was shot dead by unidentified assailants in the parking lot of a busy shopping centre in Toronto, Canada, police there said. The victim, identified as R N Chandan Kumar, hailed from Thyamagondlu near Nelamangala and had been living and working in Canada for nearly nine years.
According to a statement issued by Toronto police, officers responded to an emergency call reporting a shooting at the Woodbine Shopping Centre located at Rexdale Boulevard and Highway 27 at around 3.31 pm on Saturday. When officers reached the scene, they found a man with multiple gunshot injuries in the parking area.
He was rushed to a hospital with critical injuries but later succumbed, police confirmed.
Multiple rounds fired at victim
Investigators said unidentified persons opened fire at the victim and fled the scene. Visuals published by Canadian media outlets showed a white SUV at the spot with bullet marks on the windshield and a shattered driver-side window, indicating that several rounds were fired.
Police have described the incident as a suspected targeted shooting, though the exact motive and sequence of events are still under investigation. Authorities have not yet disclosed the number of suspects involved or whether any arrests have been made so far.
Forensic teams examined the vehicle and surrounding area as part of the evidence collection process.
Victim originally from Thyamagondlu
Chandan Kumar was originally from Thyamagondlu near Nelamangala on the outskirts of Bengaluru. His family said he had moved to Canada about nine years ago for work in the technology sector and had settled there.
News of his death reached the family through late-night international phone calls. His father, Nandakumar R, a retired teacher, said he initially hesitated to answer an overseas call late at night. When repeated calls came and were answered, the family was informed about the shooting.
Relatives said the callers spoke in English and conveyed that Kumar had been shot and taken to hospital, where he later died.
Family recounts last conversation
Kumar’s mother, Shailaja Nandakumar, said the family had spoken with him earlier the same day. According to her, the family had recently begun discussions regarding his marriage and had visited a prospective bride’s family.
She said Kumar’s father had asked him whether he had followed up on the proposal during their last conversation. Hours later, the family received the distressing news through international calls.
Family members said repeated attempts to call his phone after that did not go through.
Motive unclear, family mentions possible angle
Canadian police said the circumstances leading to the shooting are still not known and investigators are working to determine the motive. The case is being handled as a homicide investigation.
Some family members indicated that Kumar had been active in organising and promoting pro-Kannada cultural events abroad and suggested that personal rivalry or jealousy could be a possible angle. However, police have not officially confirmed any motive and said all angles are being examined.
Authorities are also reviewing CCTV footage from the shopping centre and nearby roads, along with vehicle movement data.
Steps under way to repatriate body
The family has approached authorities seeking assistance to bring Kumar’s body back to India. His cousin, Raghavendra A S, said they have requested government support for repatriation and related formalities.
Local revenue officials have begun preliminary documentation. The tahsildar visited the family to collect required details and initiate the official process needed for international transport of mortal remains.
Such cases typically require coordination between foreign authorities, the Indian consulate and state government departments.
Probe continues in Canada
Toronto police said investigators are continuing to gather details regarding the number of attackers, the weapon used and the events leading up to the shooting. Witnesses are being contacted and public assistance may be sought if required.
Officers have appealed to anyone with information or dashcam footage from the area around the time of the incident to come forward.
Conclusion
The killing of the Bengaluru-origin techie in a public parking area has shocked his hometown and the wider community abroad. With the motive yet to be established, investigators are pursuing multiple leads while the family awaits official support to bring him home for last rites.