TORONTO – Palwinder Singh, nicknamed Vicky, a 28-year-old who had moved to Canada about eight years ago, was shot dead recently by some unidentified assailants in Brampton.
Though the exact reason of the killing is not known, his friend said the attackers had come with the intent to commit robbery. The youth was in the transport business.
Palwinder had celebrated his 28th birthday just two days ago. He last spoke to his parents the same night. Having gone to Canada in 2010, Vicky had visited his parents twice.
His teary-eyed mother, Rajinder Kaur, who is a retired Punjab Agricultural manager, said, “Vicky tried hard to fulfil all our dreams. He was scheduled to come again in November.”
Victim’s father Gurmez Singh, a retired ASI from the Punjab Police and a resident of National Avenue in Rama Mandi, said they had renovated their house and had planned to move in as Vicky was scheduled to return in November.
His mother said they were planning to get him married. She said, “The Canadian Government should adopt strict measures against people carrying weapons. Many innocent Punjabi youths are losing their lives. Protection should be provided to them.”
Though the exact reason of the killing is not known, the victim’s friend said the attackers had come with the intent to commit robbery. The youth was in the transport business.
Residents tell CTV News Toronto that they noticed a vehicle pull into the area and park away from the house before two or three shots were heard.
“When they were (walking), there was something in one man’s hand. It was covered,” Kiren Dwep. “When they came back, nothing was in their hand.”
The sound of a male screaming broke through the quiet residential neighbourhood while the suspects fled toward the vehicle. Some neighbours were reportedly able to record the license plate of the car before it sped off.
“I heard a loud male voice screaming so I looked out, stepped out of the garage and that’s when I saw the guy run across the lawn, down the street and into his car,” one witness, who asked to remain anonymous, said.
According to neighbours, the home is divided into two units. It’s believed a group of men had started to rent the house several months ago.
“There were a couple of guys. They were partners – one guy had something to do with the trucking industry,” neighbour Amit Dhingra said.
“We’re concerned for this neighbourhood now.”
In a news release issued on Tuesday morning, Peel Regional Police said that two suspects subsequently surrendered to authorities at 12 Division sometime overnight.
Sean Ponto, 18, and Andrew Edward, 19, both of Mississauga, have each been charged with one count of first-degree murder in connection with the shooting.
Police say that they continue to look for two other male suspects.
The first suspect is described as being in his early 20s, about five-foot-eight and 150 lbs. with short black curly hair, a black beard and a medium complexion. He was last seen wearing a light blue hoodie, blue jeans and white shoes.
The second suspect is described as black, clean-shaven and about five-foot-six and 160 lbs. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie, a black bandana and sunglasses.
Forensic officers returned to the neighbourhood Tuesday morning, combing through bushes on the property. A truck believed to belong to the victim remains surrounded by police tape.
Police say they still want to speak with witnesses or anyone in the area who may have surveillance or dash cam footage.
