'Could see victim under car': Indian-origin students sentenced to 3 years in jail in Canada for hit-and-run; could face deportation

Two international students from India have been sentenced to three years in prison for a fatal hit-and-run incident in Surrey, Canada, that left a pedestrian dead. Upon completing their sentences, they also face the possibility of deportation.

Gaganpreet Singh and Jagdeep Singh , both 22, were inside a Ford Mustang that hit the 47-year-old victim and dragged him along for 1.3 kilometres on January 27, around 2.00 am (local time). The victim suffered severe head injuries.

"They could see the victim under the car," said Judge Mark Jetté, who delivered their sentence, as per North Delta Reporter . "Gaganpreet drove away at an estimated 70 kilometres an hour ... he stopped the car and reversed it in an attempt to dislodge (the victim)."

After fleeing the scene "with the deceased attached to the underside of the vehicle", the two individuals made several attempts to dislodge his body using a flashlight.

Gaganpreet Singh and Jagdeep Singh are “jointly charged” on three counts. First, dangerous operation of a vehicle; second, failing to stop and provide assistance at the scene of a hit-and-run; and third, improper or indecent interference with, or indignity to, a deceased person, Jetté stated.

The car belonged to Jagdeep, but Gaganpreet was driving it at the time of the accident. "It is agreed that the victim, a 47-year-old, was alive before being struck by the Mustang," Jetté added.

Jetté acknowledged that both men had pleaded guilty in January and had no prior criminal record, but also emphasized that they “displayed indifference.” "Both displayed indifference ... (the victim's) injuries were horrific. I see no point in detailing here," he added.

The victim left behind his wife and a 9-year-old child.

“It was an absolutely horrific case, and it was an extremely sad case. The victim was well-loved by his family, his friends, and members of his First Nation and his community. [He] left behind a young child,” said the crown prosecutor Adam Jantunen, as per City News.

Jagdeep Singh’s defence lawyer requested a conditional sentence of two years, which would have allowed him to avoid jail time. Meanwhile, on May 22, the Crown and Gaganpreet Singh’s defence jointly recommended a three-year prison sentence, along with a three-year driving ban and a DNA order. The Crown earlier argued for a harsher sentence for Jagdeep Singh, four years in prison, in addition to a three-year driving prohibition and a DNA order.

"I find Gaganpreet and Jagdeep equally culpable," said Jetté, adding that it is "in the best interest of the administration of justice to authorize the DNA order."