Near a seasonal scarecrow out front of a townhome at 685 Chelton Road in London sits several floral bouquets. Each was placed by passersby, wanting to express grief for a mother who died in what police called a “violent incident” last week. Authorities have not named the victim, but multiple social media posts and online fundraisers confirmed she is Raman Devi, a mother of two young children. London Police began a femicide investigation after the arrest of 41-year-old Mandeep Singh at the home in the Summerside neighbourhood on Sept. 15. Officers arrived to find a woman with life-threatening injuries. She was rushed to hospital, where she died. Off camera Monday, a neighbour recalled a disturbing scene, telling CTV News they witnessed children being hurriedly carried out of the family home by a grandmother moments after the incident. Singh faces a second-degree murder count. But should the police femicide investigation lead to an automatic first-degree murder charge, there would also be a minimum 25-year sentence if convicted. Police have said there are “indications that it (the investigation) could meet the threshold” for femicide. Meanwhile, two separate online fundraisers in Raman Devi’s name have already raised more than $30,000. One of the fundraisers is endorsed by the London Sikh Society. In a telephone call, its president Hakikat Singh Gill said he is grateful for the support offered by the local community. He also stated his organization is working with Raman Devi’s family members, including her children. Gill added a funeral for her will be held on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 1 p.m. at Forest Lawn Funeral Chapel on Dundas Street East.
