A 22-year-old student from Gujarat, who had completed her studies in Canada and enrolled in a new course, was killed in a suspected homicide in the Niagara region earlier this month. As her family awaits her return for the final rites, Indian authorities in Canada say they are assisting with the repatriation process.
The death of Vidhi Megha, a resident of Borsad in Gujarat, has drawn attention both in India and Canada, with the Indian Consulate in Toronto stepping in to coordinate with family members and local authorities. The incident has also prompted appeals from the family and intervention by political leaders seeking an expedited return of her mortal remains.
In a statement posted on X, the Consulate General of India in Toronto said it was “deeply saddened” by the death of the Indian international student in St Catharines, located in Canada’s Niagara region.
“The Consulate is in touch with the family members in India and Canada, and also the funeral home and is providing all support and assistance to the family, including for transportation of the mortal remains to India,” the mission said.
Consulate coordinating with family in India and Canada
According to the Consulate, officials have remained in contact with relatives on both sides and are assisting with formalities related to the transportation of the body to India.
The mission also conveyed condolences to the family and expressed solidarity with them following the tragedy.
Vidhi Megha was reportedly killed on May 15 after being attacked with a knife in what has been described as a suspected homicide incident in St Catharines.
Family appeals for swift repatriation
Speaking about the incident, her father Kalpeshbhai Megha said the family wishes to perform her last rites in India and has urged authorities to expedite the process.
“My daughter is 22 years old. The incident happened in St Catharines in Canada’s Niagara region. She was attacked with a knife,” he said.
“My request to the government is that we must perform my daughter’s final rites right here in India; therefore, please provide us with the body as soon as possible and send it here,” he added.
#WATCH | Borsad, Gujarat: Vidhi Megha, a 22-year-old Indian student from Borsad, Gujarat, was tragically stabbed to death in Canada’s Niagara region on May 15.
Speaking about the incident, her father, Kalpeshbhai Medha, says, “…I received information from the police station… pic.twitter.com/hHUHZesU2G
— ANI (@ANI) May 28, 2026
Kalpeshbhai Megha said he was informed about his daughter’s death by the police and subsequently contacted relatives in Canada to begin the required procedures.
“I received information from the police station yesterday. I sent an email to my relatives who are over there, and they initiated the necessary proceedings from that end,” he said.
Student had completed business management course
According to her father, Vidhi had travelled to Canada to pursue higher studies. She had completed a three-year business management programme and later enrolled in a Personal Support Worker (PSW) Honours course.
He also noted that close relatives reside in Canada.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Cabinet Minister and BJP MLA Ramanbhai Solanki visited the bereaved family in Borsad and assured them of support.
Speaking to reporters, Solanki said he had taken up the matter with both the Chief Minister’s Office and the Prime Minister’s Office.
“I empathised with their grief and anguish, offered them my condolences, and conveyed their demand to the government that the daughter’s mortal remains be handed over to her family members as soon as possible,” he said.
The minister added that he had spoken with the CMO and PMO to help ensure the body is returned to the family without delay.