Last rites of techie Chandan, who was shot dead in Toronto, held in native village

BENGALURU: The last rites of techie Chandan Kumar, who was shot dead at the parking lot of a mall in Toronto, Canada, last week, were held on Monday at the Arya Vysya Sangha grounds, with family and friends bidding a tearful farewell. The atmosphere was somber, with many people expressing their shock and sadness at the young man’s untimely death.

Chandan’s killing had sparked widespread grief and outrage in his hometown Thyamagondlu in Nelamangala taluk. Chandan’s body was brought back to his village on Sunday night, where family and friends gathered to pay their last respects.

His parents, Nanda Kumar and Shailaja, are devastated by the loss of their only son. “He was a good boy, always helping others. We had plans for him to settle in Canada and bring us there,” said Shailaja, in tears. “I’m still trying to come to terms with his death. It’s a huge loss for us”, she said.

Chandan’s father Nanda Kumar appealed for justice, saying, “My son was a good boy. He didn’t deserve to die like this. I demand a thorough investigation and justice for my son”.

Chandan’s friends and family described him as a kind-hearted person who was involved in social work and helped fellow Kannadigas in Canada. “He was a vice president of the Sai Baba Temple in Canada and was always organising events to promote Kannada culture”, said Dr Sumanth, a friend of Chandan’s.

The incident has sparked outrage, with demands for a thorough investigation and justice for Chandan’s family. MP Dr K Sudhakar visited the family and offered condolences, saying, “The Centre is working with Canadian authorities to ensure justice is served. We will do everything possible to bring the perpetrators to justice”.

The incident has also raised concerns about the safety of Indians living abroad, with many calling for increased security measures to protect citizens living overseas.