THE family of Indian international student Vanshika Saini, 21, whose body was found at Dick Bell Park on the shore of the Ottawa River on Sunday, April 27 in Ottawa, in a statement on Monday praised the professionalism of Ottawa Police and appealed to the community not to speculate on the tragedy and respect the family’s privacy.

The statement released by Ottawa Police said: “We are heartbroken by the loss of our beloved daughter, Vanshika. She was a bright light in our lives – kind, compassionate, and full of potential. Her absence leaves a void that can never be filled. We will carry her in our hearts always.

“From the earliest moments of her disappearance, the Ottawa Police Service has been in regular and consistent contact with our immediate family. We are grateful for the compassion, dedication and sensitivity they have shown, and we are satisfied with the communication and updates we have received throughout this incredibly difficult time.

“We know there are many questions in the community. Please understand this is deeply personal and while we continue to heal as a family, we are confident that the police have approached this case with thoughtfulness, diligence, and a sincere commitment to keeping us informed from the outset. Some details will remain private out of respect for Vanshika, and out of respect for us.

“To the broader Indo-Canadian community, thank you. Your concern, support, and prayers have meant a great deal to us. We understand the unease many are feeling, but based on what we know, there is no reason for others to fear for their own safety. At this time, we ask for your continued compassion – not speculation – and for our privacy to be respected as we mourn our daughter.

“We’re aware that some individuals have spoken publicly that are not directly involved in our ongoing communications with police. At this time, only the immediate family is receiving updates and speaking with investigators, and we ask that any public commentary reflect that understanding. We kindly ask that people refrain from sharing unverified details, as doing so only deepens an already painful time for our family and compounds our grief.

“This is an unimaginable loss for our family. We are trying to process it as best we can. Please keep Vanshika in your thoughts and allow us the space to grieve in peace.”

ACCORDING to Indian media, Saini’s father, Davinder Saini, is an Aam Aadmi Party leader based in Punjab. He told the media: “The last time I talked to her was on 25 April when she was on her way to work. I had asked her about her new job, everything was fine … On the morning of 26 April, I received a message that she had gone missing.”

In an April 26 post on the Facebook of the Ottawa Indo-Canadians Association, Nagmani Sharma stated: “She left her house around 8–9 PM yesterday to look at a room for rent and has not returned home since. Her phone has been switched off, and she missed an important exam today, which is very unusual for her.
“Vanshika is usually in regular contact with her family and friends every morning, but since last night, no one has heard from her. All her friends are unaware of her current location.”