A 24-year-old Indian student was shot dead in Canada while seated inside a car in South Vancouver, according to local authorities.

Chirag Antil’s dead body was discovered within a vehicle after nearby residents reported gunfire late on April 12, the Vancouver Police Department said. So far, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident.

“Vancouver Police are investigating an overnight homicide in the city’s Sunset neighbourhood. Officers were called to East 55th Avenue and Main Street around 11 p.m. on April 12 after residents heard the sound of gun shots. Chirag Antil, 24, was found deceased inside a vehicle in the area. No arrests have been made and the investigation remains ongoing,” the Vancouver said in a statement.

From Haryana, India

“Chirag Antil, an international student from Haryana, India, who arrived in Vancouver in 2022 for his studies, tragically lost his life due to a recent murder in the city. We urgently need assistance to raise funds for sending his body back to India,” read a GoFundMe page started by his brother.

“If you are in Vancouver and able to offer any support or help, please reach out to us. Your help in this matter would be deeply appreciated by Chirag’s family and friends, as we work towards bringing closure and peace during this heartbreaking time. Thank you for any help you can provide,” the fundraiser read.

This report comes in the wake of increasing deaths of Indian students in nebogbouring United States. On Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that India has stepped up its outreach to students in the United States.

Addressing a weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted the recent death of Indian students, saying the embassy and consulates have reached out and have extended all possible help. “Since January there are some ten-odd students who have passed away,” Jaiswal said during a press conference.