International student from India killed in Fort St. John, B.C.

An international student from India was killed in northeast B.C. Friday.

RCMP have identified Gurkirat Singh Manocha, 25, as the victim of an “altercation” at the Charlie Lake boat ramp, just outside Fort St. John, at around 11:10 p.m. PT on March 13.

Manocha is being identified as a resident of the city of Ujjain, in central India, who had moved to Fort. St. John to get a degree in business management at the local college.

“In this difficult time, we stand in solidarity with the bereaved family and extend our heartfelt condolences,” reads a statement from the Akshat International School in Ujjain, which identifies Manocha as a former student.

“May the Almighty grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give strength to the grieving family to bear this irreparable loss.”

In a statement published online, Mohan Yadav, the chief minister of the state of Madhya Pradesh where Ujjain is located, said he has spoken to Manocha’s family and assured them that the government of India will be sure his last rites can be performed.

In a news release, police said the incident Friday night involved several people getting into “an altercation,” and that Manocha was seriously injured.

“Despite life-saving measures, the victim later succumbed to those injuries,” the statement said.

The North District Major Crimes Unit has told CBC News the investigation “involves numerous individuals,” and that no further information will be released.

In an email, Northern Lights College said it is “aware of a tragic incident,” and that their priority is “supporting our campus community while working with RCMP to verify information.”

B.C.’s Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Nina Krieger also shared a statement, calling the death “a tragic situation.”

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