EDMONTON, Canada (Diya TV) — Tragedy has returned to Edmonton once again: The body of a 19-year-old Sikh student was recovered on September 10 from the North Saskatchewan River. Amarjit Singh had been reported missing earlier in the week.
Edmonton Police Service confirmed the recovery of Singh’s body after the extensive search effort. The circumstances surrounding Singh’s death are under investigation, but police have indicated that foul play is not immediately suspected. EPS is working to determine the exact cause of death and the events leading up to Singh’s disappearance.
The police identified him as Singh, who hailed from Punjab and was an international student in a local college. Local media quoted reports saying Singh was last seen on September 8, leaving his residence. The next day, friends and family reported him missing, following which there was a search and the recovery of the body from the river.
EPS and search and rescue teams conducted an extensive search of the river and surrounding area. The investigation remains active as officials try to reconstruct the final hours of Singh’s life.
The discovery of Singh’s body has sent shockwaves into the community that was yet to come to terms with the murder of another Sikh student, Saudagar Singh, a few days ago. On September 4, Mann, 22 years and working part-time at a Tim Hortons, died in a violent attack. Edgar Wesker, aged 40 years, is charged with second-degree murder in relation to Mann’s death by the Edmonton Police. The two incidents have put the Sikh community in Edmonton on high alert.
Community leaders and local organizations have been offering their condolences to Singh’s family. “This is a deeply tragic situation,” said a spokesperson with the Sikh community in Edmonton. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Amarjit’s family during this incredibly difficult time. We are hopeful that the investigation will provide answers and bring some sense of closure.
In the aftermath of these incidents, many people are adamant that community support and additional resources are being called for to meet the needs generated by violence and loss. Local organizations are taking action to offer emergency assistance and support to the families related to these tragedies.
EPS invites and continues to urge the public to come forward with information that may progress the investigation. Anyone with details regarding Amarjit Singh’s activities in the days, weeks and months prior to his death is urged to contact police.
