Tragic Loss in Ottawa: Dera Bassi AAP Leader’s Daughter Found Dead on Beach
Babushahi Bueau
Ottwa/Dera Bassi ( Punjab), April 29, 2025 – In a heartbreaking incident, 21-year-old Vanshika Saini, daughter of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Davinder Singh Saini from Dera Bassi, Punjab, was found dead near a beach in Ottawa, Canada, on April 28, 2025. Vanshika, who had been studying in Canada for the past two and a half years, was reported missing on April 25, prompting a search by local authorities and the Indian High Commission. Her death has sent shockwaves through her hometown and the Punjabi diaspora, with her family raising concerns about the mysterious circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Details of the Incident
Vanshika, a student pursuing higher education in Ottawa, left her residence around 9 p.m. on April 25, reportedly to look for a rental room. She failed to return home, and her phone was found switched off, raising alarm among her friends and family. According to reports, she missed a scheduled exam, which was unusual for the diligent student who maintained regular contact with her loved ones. Friends alerted the Ottawa Police Service after checking on her, and a search was initiated.
On April 28, police recovered Vanshika’s body near an Ottawa beach, though the exact location and cause of death remain undisclosed pending investigation. The Ottawa Police have classified the case as a death investigation, with forensic teams examining evidence to determine whether foul play was involved. The Indian High Commission in Ottawa is coordinating with Vanshika’s family and local authorities to provide support and ensure a thorough probe.
Family and Community Response
Davinder Singh Saini, a prominent AAP functionary and close aide of Dera Bassi MLA Kuljit Singh Randhawa, expressed profound grief over the loss of his daughter. Sources close to the family told that they suspect foul play, though they are awaiting official findings.
The tragedy has resonated deeply in Dera Bassi, where Vanshika was known as a promising young woman who moved to Canada after completing her schooling. AAP leaders, including MLA Randhawa, have extended condolences and demanded a transparent investigation. “We stand with Davinder Saini and his family in this hour of grief. We urge Canadian authorities to leave no stone unturned,” Randhawa stated.
Posts on X reflect the community’s anguish, with users like @thekhabarsaar noting, “AAP ਨੇਤਾ ਦੀ ਧੀ ਦੀ ਕੈਨੇਡਾ ‘ਚ ਮੌਤ,” and @News9Tweets highlighting the “mysterious circumstances” of the death. The Punjabi diaspora in Canada has also rallied, with community groups offering support to the Saini family.
BJP leader Gurdarshan Singh Saini, Chairman of Gurnam Singh and Company condoled the death of Vanshika and expressed heeartefelt sampathies with the family of Saini.
Context and Broader Implications
Vanshika’s death comes amid growing concerns about the safety of Indian students abroad, particularly in Canada, which hosts over 300,000 Indian students. Recent incidents, including the deaths of students under unclear circumstances, have prompted calls for enhanced safety measures and better support systems for international students. The Indian government has been in touch with Canadian authorities to ensure a thorough investigation, with the Ministry of External Affairs monitoring the case closely.
Ottawa, a hub for international students, has seen a surge in its Indian population, with many from Punjab pursuing education in fields like business, technology, and healthcare. Vanshika’s case has reignited discussions about mental health resources, campus safety, and the challenges faced by students living far from home.
Ongoing Investigation
The Ottawa Police have appealed for public assistance, urging anyone with information or footage from the evening of April 25 to come forward. “We are working diligently to piece together the events leading to this tragic outcome,” a police spokesperson said. The postmortem report, expected in the coming days, may provide clarity on the cause of death.
The Saini family is preparing to travel to Canada to repatriate Vanshika’s body, with assistance from the Indian High Commission. Community leaders in Dera Bassi have planned a memorial to honor her memory, reflecting her impact as a bright and ambitious young woman.
For updates, visit ottawapolice.ca or follow #VanshikaSaini on social media.