Timeline of Events
April 24, 2025: 22‑year‑old Sahil Kumar arrives in Canada on a study visa. He takes a web design course at Humber College, Toronto, while living in Hamilton.
May 16: Sahil takes the GO train from Hamilton to Toronto. Surveillance footage shows him exiting Union Station at approximately 12:50 p.m. and walking toward Yonge‑Dundas Square.
May 16, 1:31 p.m.: His cell phone switches off. He does not carry his passport or laptop with him.
May 17: Friends report him missing to Hamilton Police.
May 26: After a 10‑day search, Toronto authorities discover his body in the Toronto waterfront area. The case is transferred to Toronto Police.
June 20: Family confirms his death and demands further investigation. Authorities say the death “does not appear to be criminal.”
Background & Investigation Details
Sahil, originally from Charkhi Dadri’s Dohka village in Haryana, came from a family that invested nearly ₹40 lakh for his education abroad; his father is a retired army personnel. Although labeled a drowning, his family maintains that Sahil was a capable swimmer, raising doubts about accidental causes.
The Hamilton Police initially handled the case, gathering CCTV data, transit activity, phone records, and internet usage. His PRESTO card activity confirmed journey details. Online logs suggested interest in visiting Toronto’s waterfront shortly before his disappearance.
Sahil’s relatives voiced frustration regarding delayed involvement of Toronto police—even six days after his disappearance—as well as limited access to surveillance footage due to stringent Canadian privacy laws. They also criticized the Indian consulate for passive engagement in offering support.
Family Perspective & Concerns
Sahil’s uncle and cousin describe him as a conscientious, ambitious student excited about his new life abroad. His last conversation with family was optimistic, making his sudden disappearance all the more baffling. The family is deeply troubled by the lack of transparency, unanswered questions about how he ended up in open water, and inconsistencies such as missing clothing details from surveillance.
Broader Context: Vulnerabilities of International Students
Experts note that international students, particularly those new to a foreign environment, may be especially vulnerable. Ontario’s Missing Persons Act (2019)—though designed to enhance investigative tools—does not require release of private CCTV footage, limiting evidence availability. In Sahil’s case, authorities asserted no indication of self‑harm or criminal involvement.
The case echoes other recent tragedies involving Indian students in Canada, including similarly unexplained deaths and drownings, heightening concern in the diasporic community.
Why This Case Matters
Sahil vanished in broad daylight from a well‑populated area yet remained missing for 10 days.
The official ruling of accidental drowning is disputed strongly by his family, raising questions of possible neglect or oversight in the investigation.
Communication delays, privacy barriers, and limited institutional response, especially during international crises, have exposed broader systemic gaps facing global students.
Conclusion
The story of Sahil Kumar is one of promise cut short, and a family in anguish seeking truth across continents. They demand: urgent transparency, accountability from Canadian authorities, and more responsive diplomatic support.
This tragedy is not just personal—it reflects alarming systemic risks faced by many international students. Sahil’s case is a call for both countries to rethink safety protocols, investigative urgency, and support networks for young people far from home.
Name Sahil Kumar
Age 22
Origin Charkhi Dadri, Haryana, India
College Humber College, Toronto
Missing Since May 16, 2025
Found Deceased May 26, 2025, Toronto waterfront
Official Finding Drowning (no signs of foul play)
Family Concerns Believe drowning unlikely; seek deeper investigation
Sahil’s memory lives on through his family’s relentless pursuit of justice—and through the urgent awareness his case brings to all who send loved ones abroad.
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