"My Vanshika was not like this. Someone has killed her."
The family of Vanshika Saini, a 21-year-old Indian student who died in Canada, is demanding a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
Originally from Punjab, Vanshika moved to Ottawa two and a half years ago to pursue a diploma course after completing her schooling.
She was the daughter of Devinder Singh Saini, an Aam Aadmi Party leader and aide to MLA Kuljit Singh Randhawa.
Her body was discovered on a beach on April 28.
The cause of death remains unknown, and Canadian police are investigating the case.
There is speculation that she took her own life, but her family has ruled it out and believes there was foul play.
Her aunt Babita said: “My Vanshika was not like this. Someone has killed her.
“There is no chance she could take her life. She wanted to be a doctor and create a name for herself and her family.”
The Indian student recently completed her final exams on April 18. She had started working and was preparing for her International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam, which was scheduled for April 26.
Her absence from the exam raised alarms. A friend tried to contact her but her phone switched off.
Vanshika’s uncle explained: “We asked her flatmates and learnt that Vanshika left the house on April 25, around 9:30 pm.
“YouTube history shows that she watched videos related to IELTS till 11 pm after which her phone was switched off.
“We don’t have any details after that. Her mobile phone was last located at a park near her house.”
Vanshika’s death has sent shockwaves through the family and their community in India.
Her father said: “Vanshika was a topper. She was made class monitor within 10 days of starting college in Canada.
“She wanted to become something. She wanted to create a name for herself. We don’t know what happened.”
The High Commission of India in Ottawa said it is coordinating with Canadian authorities.
In a statement, the commission said:
“We are deeply saddened to be informed of the death of Ms Vanshika, student from India in Ottawa.”
“The matter has been taken up with concerned authorities and the cause is under investigation as per local police.
“We are in close contact with the bereaved kin and local community associations to provide all possible assistance.”
The family is pleading for her body to be brought back to India.
Another aunt, Meena, said:
“We appeal to the government to send the body to India at the earliest. Our daughter should be sent back home.”
Her uncle appealed to the Canadian authorities:
“The perpetrator should be punished. The government must interrogate her friends, conduct trials and understand what happened.”
The family continues to await answers as the investigation proceeds.
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