Like most days, Jitesh Vasudev spoke to his son over an international call (from Ghaziabad to Toronto), right before heading for work. Little did he know, that would be the last time he ever spoke to him.
On Thursday, 8 April, 21-year-old Kartik Vasudev was shot dead outside the Sherbourne station in Toronto, as he waited to hail a bus to his part-time job at a Mexican restaurant. Within minutes, he died of multiple gunshot wounds.
"It was 6 am in India when we got a call from his cousin, whom Kartik lived with in Toronto. She said they had been trying to reach him for a few hours, but he wasn't answering. Almost five hours later, I spoke to a police officer who told me that my son was dead," Kartik's father told The Quint, his voice cracking as he broke into tears.
Kartik was supposed to reach the restaurant, his workplace, at 6 pm local time. When he did not reach or answer calls, Kartik's manager called his cousin Sakshi to check on him.
Soon after, the manager saw a television news report about someone who was shot in the same area.
"Kartik's manager recognised his bag, and his cousin corroborated. We then asked his cousin to rush to the police. At the police station, the officers spoke with me over the phone and said 'it is unfortunate news, but your son is no more Mr Vasudev'," Jitesh said.
'He Really Liked Life in Canada'
Kartik studied at the DAV school in Ghaziabad, and had been dreaming of studying in Canada ever since the 10th grade. He did his undergraduate education from IP University in Delhi after which he left for Toronto to study global business marketing and management at the Seneca University.
A bright, committed student, Kartik was always good at academics and was very passionate about his career, his cousin said.
"He was really liking it in Canada and I was intrigued by his life on campus. I would ask and he would tell me stories about his day. I would ask him questions as I hoped to also go there like him someday."Sakshi, Kartik's Cousin
"Kartik was happy in Canada. He wanted to settle down there and work. He had a three-year work visa," said Jitesh, adding that his son planned to do a specialised course in digital marketing after completing his masters.
Kartik's First Love – His Camera
Kartik's family told The Quint that he was a quiet, introverted boy who didn't speak much, and that he never got into any scuffle or fights at school.
Kartik's first love was being behind the lens of his camera.
"He loved his camera. He would travel a lot for videography and photography," said Sakshi, adding that he had set up an Instagram handle to share all his pictures.
"He was a very very happy person, and one always felt better about life after speaking to him. I would often call him for advice," said Sakshi, "I will miss him a lot."
'Want Justice For My Son'
Kartik has a younger brother, who is currently in the 10th grade. His parents are distraught and are desperately trying to coordinate with the investigating agencies, the police and the Consulate.
The motive behind the shooting is still not clear.
"We have not been given any reason for why this could have happened or what is the progress on this investigation," said Jitesh. "We have been wondering what could have happened, we feel it might have been a case of robbery because why else would someone shoot our son?"
The family has been in touch with the Indian Consulate, trying to get his remains back home and are fulfilling all the required formalities. "The Indian Consulate said that it might take 6-8 days for the coffin to reach India," said Jitesh.
After the cremation in India, Jitesh is planning to leave for Toronto, and has applied for a visa. "They might bury the case once the body is sent here... we want to follow up on the case and ensure that proper investigation is done and the culprit is identified and punished," said Jitesh.
"We want justice for our son," he told The Quint.
Kartik's fellow students at his university are carrying out a candle march on 10 April, to mark their condolences and demand justice. "They are saying they will support us, they will raise this issue and take it to the parliament to ensure the culprits are identified," said Jitesh.
At the very least, Jitesh wants to see his son's room in Toronto one last time. "We want to get his belongings back home," he said.
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