A Kelowna family is grappling with shock and fear after a loved one was stabbed during what should have been a routine morning walk last week. Tejinder Singh, a 57-year-old visitor from India, was attacked while walking north along Highway 97 near Highway 33 in British Columbia. The assault occurred between 9 and 9:45 a.m. on May 12, according to police reports.
The family described the incident as completely random and unprovoked. Singh’s daughter, Manvir Sandhu, recounted how the encounter began when a young man approached her father and attempted to speak with him. “My dad doesn’t speak English, so he said, ‘Sorry, no English’ and even after my dad said this, he again tried to talk to my dad,” Sandhu told Global News.
After Singh repeated that he did not speak English, the man walked away, leading Singh to believe the brief exchange had ended. Moments later, however, he felt a sudden sharp pain in his back. “He thought he only punched him because the pressure was so much,” Sandhu said. “And then when he touched his back and then he saw the blood.”
The suspect fled the scene on foot immediately after the stabbing. Singh managed to attract the attention of nearby workers, who called for emergency help. He was taken to hospital, where he remained for nearly a week before being discharged.
The attack has left the family shaken and struggling to comprehend why it happened. “It is unacceptable because you can’t just go out in the community or in the public, even for a walk or for anything now, which is scary part for our family,” Sandhu said. She noted that she has lived in Canada for the past 10 years without ever feeling this unsafe.
Kelowna RCMP confirmed that the investigation into the assault remains active and ongoing. No arrests have been made so far. Officers are continuing to collect and review CCTV footage from the area in hopes of identifying the person responsible.
Police are also appealing to the public for assistance. Anyone who witnessed the May 12 incident or has dashcam footage from the stretch of highway between 9 and 9:45 a.m. is urged to contact authorities. “We’re still looking for answers, we’re still waiting for justice,” Sandhu said.
While RCMP have noted that stranger assaults are not common in the area, the family is urging others to remain vigilant. “That person is still out there in the community and he’s not safe for the public,” Sandhu warned. She expressed gratitude to the workers who helped her father at the scene and to community members who have offered emotional support.
The incident has prompted broader conversations within the family about personal safety during everyday activities. Singh, who was visiting relatives, is expected to recover physically but the emotional impact lingers. “It was traumatic for my family and it was something that my dad will never forget,” Sandhu said.
Local residents have expressed concern over the randomness of the attack, with some saying it serves as a reminder to stay aware of surroundings even in familiar neighborhoods. Officials continue to emphasize that such events remain rare but are treating this case with full investigative resources.
As the search for the suspect continues, the family hopes for a swift resolution. They are cooperating fully with police and encouraging anyone with information to come forward. The RCMP investigation is expected to review additional video evidence in the coming days.
Community support has been a source of comfort amid the uncertainty. Sandhu said messages from friends and strangers alike have helped the family cope with the aftermath. The focus now remains on healing and ensuring no one else faces a similar ordeal.