The family of 22 year old Indian student Vidhi Kalpeshbhai Megha is seeking the return of her body to India after she was killed in St. Catharines, Ontario, earlier this month. According to NDTV, Vidhi was originally from Borsad in Gujarat and had been living in Canada for about four years.

Vidhi was killed on May 15 in Canada’s Niagara region, but her family said they were informed of her death more than 10 days later. Her father has claimed that the incident involved a drug dealer who had been trying to collect money from her.

Speaking to news agency IANS, Vidhi’s father said his daughter refused to pay the man and that an argument followed. He claimed she was then attacked with a knife. The family is now urging Canadian authorities to send her body back to India as soon as possible so her final rites can be performed.

Vidhi had moved to Canada to pursue her education. According to NDTV, she had studied business management and completed a three year course before later enrolling in a Personal Support Worker Honours program.

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Her death has caused deep grief in her hometown of Borsad. Gujarat Cabinet Minister and BJP MLA Ramanbhai Solanki visited the family and said he had conveyed their request to government officials. He said the family wants Vidhi’s remains returned without further delay.

Solanki also said he had spoken to both the Chief Minister’s Office and the Prime Minister’s Office regarding the matter. He offered condolences to the family and said their demand had been shared with the government.

The Niagara Regional Police Service said 40 year old Joshua St. Omer was arrested on May 18 in connection with the case. He has been charged with second degree murder.

The case has raised concern among Indian families with students living abroad, especially those who send their children overseas for education and better opportunities. For Vidhi’s family, the immediate priority remains bringing her body home to Gujarat and completing the final rites with dignity.