After the death of an international student in Charlie Lake, there have been some suggestions on social media and alternative media sites in India, that the homicide was a hate crime.
Gurkirat Singh Manocha was killed after an altercation at the boat ramp on the evening of March 13th.
Mounties said Manocha suffered serious injuries and was rushed to hospital by friends. Despite life saving measures, the 25-year-old victim succumbed to his injuries.
A source told CJDC TV News, “Manocha’s death was not a hate crime.” The majority of suspects who allegedly attacked Manocha, were also of South Asian decent, according to sources.
Manocha’s father has been quoted as saying that group of 10-12 boys were responsible for the horrific attack. Sources also say, the suspect were not boys, but adults in their twenties.
Concerns have been raised about what the attempts to tie the death to a hate crime, could do to the reputation of the City of Fort St. John and the surrounding area.
Manocha is thought to have been run over by a vehicle, however CJDC TV News is unable to independently verify those claims.
Manocha had moved from Fort St. John from India and was in the process of finishing his business degree at Northern Lights College.
The North District Major Crime unit is leading the homicide investigation. Police are urging anyone with any information to come forward and speak with investigators.