Police confirm no foul play in death of 19-year-old sikh woman found in walmart oven in Halifax

Halifax (The Uttam Hindu):  Authorities have concluded that the death of a 19-year-old Sikh woman, found inside a walk-in oven at a Walmart store in Halifax, Canada, was not suspicious. The police investigation, which included interviews and video footage review, has found no evidence of foul play, according to Halifax Police. The woman, later identified by a Sikh organization in Canada as Gursimran Kaur, was discovered on October 19, 2024, around 9:30 p.m. in the bakery department’s large walk-in oven, a type of industrial oven used in manufacturing processes. Police have not yet officially released her name, but the Sikh community in Canada confirmed her identity.

In a statement, Halifax Police officer Martin Cromwell emphasized, "We understand there have been many questions about what happened. As part of the investigation, we conducted several interviews, reviewed video footage, and worked closely with our partners." He further added, "Our investigation has not led us to suspect foul play. We do not believe anyone else was involved in the circumstances surrounding the woman's death. The Department of Labour and the Medical Examiner Service are continuing their work, but we do not believe the death to be suspicious."

Kaur had recently moved to Canada from India before her tragic death. At the time of the incident, her father and brother were reportedly in India, according to reports. Speculations surrounding the circumstances of her death had spread on social media, but police officials have clarified that there was no evidence to suggest criminal activity. Walk-in ovens, also known as batch or truck-in ovens, are large industrial ovens typically used for mass production and manufacturing processes. These ovens are large enough to allow a person to enter in order to load or unload materials, and their design raised questions during the investigation into Kaur's death.

As the investigation continues, authorities have emphasized that no foul play has been detected, and the focus remains on determining the exact cause of death through further examinations by the Medical Examiner Service and Department of Labour. The case has drawn significant attention, particularly from the Sikh community in Canada, as they continue to seek clarity regarding the tragic loss of the young woman.