Harmandeep Kaur’s devastated family bracing for funeral, vowing to fight for justice
Posted March 4, 2022 7:07 pm.
Last Updated March 5, 2022 6:15 pm.
Kiranjot Kaur struggles to find the words to describe what she lost when her cousin Harmandeep was killed while working as a security guard at UBC’s Okanagan campus last weekend.
The pair, both 24, were born just a month apart. While they were growing up they wore the same outfits and played with the same toys. When Harmandeep moved to Vancouver from India to go to college, Kiranjot wasn’t far behind — moving to the same city, living in the same apartment, and studying at the same college. They talked on the phone at least two or three times every day, each consulting the other before making a decision, even one as small as whether they should buy something or not.
“We are like twins, everybody always says,” Kiranjot told OMNI Punjabi through tears on Friday.
“I can’t explain how important she is to me. I don’t have any words to explain right now.”
Exclusive chat @OMNIpunjabi today Harmandeep Kaur’s family shared how they broken, shattered and trying to get answers for their beloved daughter’s loss. Harmandeep’s funeral will be held tomorrow 10:30 am @Sqamish. Tonight @OMNITelevision https://t.co/jMwdHTZ9Yz pic.twitter.com/21jb96fk6y
— Prabhjot Kahlon (@PrabhjotKahlon) March 4, 2022
Last Saturday, Harmandeep was assaulted while working an overnight shift at the Kelowna university campus. She did not survive the injuries she suffered during what her family has described as a “senseless, unprovoked, and devastating” attack. One man was arrested and apprehended under the Mental Health Act. No charges have been recommended, but police have said a murder charge is possible.
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Kiranjot also worked as a security guard with Paladin, and says her cousin didn’t feel unsafe at her job. On the contrary, she was mostly concerned with the safety of others.
“She wanted to become a paramedic to save others’ lives, but we didn’t know that she’s gonna end up like this,” Kiranjot said.
A spokesperson for the security company described Harmandeep as a “kind soul” who went out of her way to connect with everyone she met on campus.
“Harmandeep had a natural ability to make everyone’s day brighter and she was the epitome of a team player. She was a burst of positive energy carrying a smile on her face at all times, no matter the situation,” the statement continues.
Harmandeep’s parents said they were planning on visiting their daughter next month. Instead, they have come to B.C. for her funeral, which will be held in Squamish this weekend. Speaking in Punjabi, her mother Harminder and her father Paljit Singh said they are devastated, and still shocked by the news of their daughter’s brutal death. Harminder, weeping and barely able to speak, and her husband both say they want justice for Harmandeep.
A GoFundMe has been set up to support the family with travel costs, funeral arrangements, and legal assistance.
— Prabhjot Kahlon (@PrabhjotKahlon) March 5, 2022
Campus vigil held in Kelowna, multiple investigations underway
A vigil was held at the UBC Okanagan Campus Friday, a crowd gathering to lay flowers, light candles, and sign a book of condolences.
Deputy-Vice chancellor and Principal Lesley Cormack said it was organized because there were so many people in the campus community who wanted to mourn the loss.
“I’m moved by the overwhelming support, kindness and grace that has been shown by our community, both on campus and beyond, over these past several days. I’m grateful to know that in times of tragedy we can come together to demonstrate our humanity and our empathy for those in pain … From our custodial staff to security personnel to students, faculty and staff—we all feel this loss and have a role to play in supporting each other.”
She also acknowledged that there are a lot of questions about Harmandeep’s killing, and that students, staff, and faculty are feeling vulnerable and unsafe.
“We are at the beginning of a period of deep introspection and review,” she wrote.
She noted the RCMP’s criminal investigation is ongoing, a WorkSafe BC investigation is underway, and that the university is working with the security company and the school’s janitorial service provider to “review our collective processes.”
The Kelowna RCMP has said the man arrested was also “working at the university.”
Asked about Harmandeep’s killing Thursday, Premier John Horgan offered his condolences to the family.
“That is not something that any family should have to experience. I can’t imagine, quite frankly, the horror that they’re going through right now.”
He also addressed broader concerns around a rise in stranger attacks, and a lack of adequate services for people with serious mental health issues.
“I think part of our problem is that we’ve had two years of dislocation and mental health challenges that are well documented, that have been increasing because of isolation, because of uncertainty, because of fear, because of COVID and other challenges in the community,” he said, adding the province, local governments, and law enforcement all have a role to play in “working together to give people a sense of comfort in their own communities.”
