‘Losing a loved one is devastating’: Ottawa police issue statement on missing student found dead

The sign outside Ottawa Police headquarters on Elgin St. is seen in this undated photo. (Aaron Reid/CTV News Ottawa)

The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) has issued a statement regarding a case of a missing international student who was found dead in a park on the shore of the Ottawa River last weekend.

Vanshika Saini’s body was found on April 27 at Dick Bell Park on Carling Avenue. The Indian High Commission in Ottawa has identified her as a 21-year-old student from India, saying she went missing several days before her body was found.

The statement was issued Sunday. It comes after The High Commission had previously shared links to letters from the local Hindu community urging the Ottawa Police Service to investigate her disappearance.

“Throughout this investigation, the OPS has maintained open and ongoing communication with Vanshika’s family,” reads the police service’s statement.

“We are aware of concerns being raised within the community regarding how this case was handled.

“To help clarify how missing person reports are reviewed, the OPS follows a structured process to evaluate risk and determine the appropriate investigative response. This includes considering a range of factors such as age, medical or mental health needs, and any signs that the individual may be in immediate danger.”

The High Commission said in a social media post that it was “deeply saddened” to learn of the student’s death and that it is in close contact with her family and local community associations.

“Losing a loved one is devastating, and we stand with the community in mourning her passing,” reads the police force’s statement.

The statement notes that the city’s police service handles each case with professionalism, urgency and care with no exception.

“Our protocols are in place to safeguard the integrity of investigations, protect personal privacy and honour the wishes of the families involved,” reads the statement.

“Above all, we remain focused on supporting families with compassion, dignity, and urgency – even when that work occurs outside the public spotlight.

“We know that trust is earned through consistent action. As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we will continue to engage with community leaders to ensure our practices are inclusive, culturally responsive, and grounded in care, and ensure that every family facing the unimaginable fear of a missing loved one feels heard, supported, and treated with compassion and urgency.”

The circumstances of her death remain under investigation.

With files from The Canadian Press