Punjabi girl brutally attacked in Winnipeg, wants to return to India

June 25, 2025

Gagandeep Singh

Winnipeg, Manitoba – A 23-year-old woman in Winnipeg is recovering in hospital following a brutal attack near her home in Osborne Village late on the night of June 22.

Tanpreet Kaur, who had just finished her evening shift, was walking back to her apartment – a route she had taken regularly for two years – when she was ambushed by two strangers shortly after midnight. According to her cousin, who spoke to Red FM, she was only steps away from her residence when she heard someone running behind her.

“She turned around, and before she could react, they pushed her to the ground,” her brother shared.

Tanpreet was then violently assaulted and stabbed multiple times in her back, stomach, legs, and even her left eye. The attackers also stole her phone, ID cards, and credit cards before fleeing the scene. She lost consciousness during the attack and only realized what had happened when she regained awareness in an ambulance. “She thought she was going to die,” her brother added.

Since the assault, Tanpreet has undergone several surgeries, including one on her damaged eye. The physical wounds are healing slowly, but the psychological trauma remains deep. She no longer feels safe in Winnipeg and is now considering returning to India, where her parents and most of her family still live.

Winnipeg police confirmed that a 17-year-old girl has been arrested in connection with the incident. The teen faces charges of aggravated assault, robbery, and multiple breaches of a release order. According to police, nearby bystanders intervened during the attack, helping bring it to an end before emergency services were called.

Authorities are asking anyone with additional information or security footage from the area to contact investigators at 204-986-6219 or send anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers at 204-786-8477 or online.

Tanpreet’s sister-in-law, Ramandeep, has stepped in as her primary support while Tanpreet’s brother is away visiting family in India. Speaking with reporters, Ramandeep expressed shock and heartbreak over the incident.

“She came to Canada to build a better future, not for something like this,” she said tearfully. “I haven’t been able to sleep for days. Every time I close my eyes, I see how badly she was hurt.”

Ramandeep is calling for justice and greater safety measures to ensure no one else experiences such violence. “We need accountability. People should feel safe walking home,” she urged.

Tanpreet’s recovery is expected to be long and difficult, but her family is staying strong and doing everything they can to support her during this painful time.