A 24-year-old Indian-origin man has been charged with second-degree murder after his sister-in-law died in a car fire last month, Canadian authorities say.
The incident took place on Oct. 26 at around 11:20 p.m. in the 7000 block of Highway 17, north of the Trans-Canada Highway.
Police found the vehicle on fire, with Ludhiana 30-year-old Mandeep Kaur of Delta as the sole occupant. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident appeared suspicious, prompting an extensive investigation by the Delta Police Major Crime Section,” said a statement from the Delta Police Department.
Gurjot Singh Khaira, Kaur’s 24-year-old brother-in-law, was arrested on Nov. 6 and initially charged with indignity to human remains.
On Tuesday, prosecutors approved an additional charge of second-degree murder.
Kaur, a resident of Gujjarwal village in Ludhiana, had moved to Canada six years ago on a study visa and got married just seven months ago.
Kuldeep Singh, a former sarpanch of Gujjarwal village, told the Indian Express, “Her father shifted to Canada about 20 years ago and never returned. His wife, Jaswinder Kaur, still lives here alone.”
“Mandeep moved to Canada after clearing IELTS. We had heard her marriage was held in Canada a few months ago. It is very sad to hear about this incident. We hope the Canadian police provide justice to the family.”
Police have declined to release further details while the investigation is ongoing. “The Delta Police Department extends its sincere condolences to the family of Mandeep Kaur during this difficult time,” the statement added.
Khaira remains in custody and is due to appear in court on Dec. 11.
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