A police funeral service for Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Constable Tarun Bali, 29, was held on Thursday, June 18 at the Mississauga Sports and Entertainment Centre in Mississauga, Ontario.
Bali was killed in the line of duty last week on Tuesday.
According to news reports, Bali and fellow officers were trying to stop a vehicle on Kendall Concession Road 7 in Hearst, Ontario, when the driver hit Bali, who died at the scene.
OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique said the driver, Justin Veronneau, 18, was stopped by police after he fled from a hospital where he was being assessed under the Mental Health Act.
He was charged with first-degree murder, assaulting an officer, two counts of fleeing police, resisting arrest, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and dangerous operation causing death.
Veronneau will remain in police custody until his court appearance on June 24.
Bali was originally from Brampton and joined the City of Kitchener’s bylaw enforcement team in 2021. In 2023, he joined the Ontario Provincial Police and had been with them for 2 ½ years.
According to Indian media, he was the younger son of Ashok and Neena Bali. The family had earlier lived in Punjab’s Nangal in India, before moving to Toronto. About two years ago, he married Komal Sharma.
At the funeral, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said: “Tarun Bali was a man who put others before himself and who led by example, no matter the risk. We can see that reflected in the days and hours leading up to his death, when he showed compassion and bravery, despite the risk to himself.
“While we can never properly repay the debt of gratitude that this province owes them, Provincial Constable Bali will always be remembered as the hero he was, and his legacy will live on forever.”
Bali’s wife, Komal Sharma Bali, said: “Thank you for choosing me and loving me so much, so much. It has been an honour, and it will continue to be an honour to be your wife,” she said. “No amount of time would ever have been enough, truly, but I will cherish every moment we shared.
“You are my greatest blessing, my best friend, the love of my life. I love you with my whole heart. Until we meet again, I hope you rest peacefully.”
