Indian Student Stabbed in Canada: Father Says She Refused to Pay Drug Dealer

A 22-year-old Indian student from Gujarat was allegedly stabbed to death in Canada’s Niagara region after refusing to pay money to a suspected drug dealer, according to claims made by her father. The victim, identified as Vidhi Kalpeshbhai Megha, was killed on May 15 in St Catharines, Ontario, but her family in India was informed about the incident more than 10 days later. The case has sparked grief and concern among the local community in Gujarat’s Anand district, where Vidhi’s family resides.

Speaking to news agency IANS, Vidhi’s father alleged that a drug dealer had been demanding money from his daughter before the fatal attack took place. He claimed that Vidhi refused to comply and confronted the accused, following which she was allegedly attacked with a knife. The grieving father said he received confirmation of his daughter’s death through official communication and immediately informed relatives about the tragedy. Canadian authorities have not publicly confirmed the motive behind the killing beyond the charges filed in the case.

Vidhi’s family has appealed to both Indian and Canadian authorities to expedite the return of her mortal remains to India so that final rites can be conducted. Her father urged the government to ensure that the body is sent back without further delay, saying the family has been waiting in distress since learning about her death. The incident has also drawn the attention of political leaders in Gujarat, with local representatives stepping in to assist the family during the difficult period.

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Gujarat Cabinet Minister and BJP MLA Ramanbhai Solanki said he met Vidhi’s family members in Borsad after learning about the incident. He stated that he had conveyed the family’s concerns and requests to both the Chief Minister’s Office and the Prime Minister’s Office to facilitate the swift return of Vidhi’s body. Solanki also expressed condolences to the bereaved family and assured them that efforts were being made at multiple levels to coordinate with the relevant authorities in Canada.

Vidhi Megha had moved to Canada nearly four years ago to pursue higher education and better career opportunities. Originally from Borsad in Gujarat, she had completed a three-year business management course before enrolling in a Personal Support Worker (PSW) honors program. Friends and acquaintances described her as a hardworking student focused on building a stable future abroad. Her death has once again raised concerns among Indian families about the safety and well-being of students studying overseas.

Canadian police have arrested a 40-year-old man identified as Joshua St Omer in connection with the case. According to a statement issued by the Niagara Regional Police Service, the accused was taken into custody on May 18 and charged with second-degree murder. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing. The case has received widespread attention in both India and Canada, particularly within the Indian student community, which has increasingly voiced concerns over incidents involving international students in recent years.

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