July 16, 2025
Gagandeep Singh
Two international students have been sentenced to three years in prison and handed a three-year driving ban after a disturbing hit-and-run incident in Surrey last year, where a pedestrian was fatally dragged for more than a kilometre under a car.
Gaganpreet Singh and Jagdeep Singh, both 22 years old, appeared in Surrey Provincial Court on Wednesday to receive their sentence. The two men were in a red Ford Mustang on January 27, 2024, when they struck a man near University Drive, shortly before 2 a.m. The victim, whose name is not being released at the family’s request, was found multiple blocks away with severe injuries.
Despite being international students at the time of the crash, both are now expected to face deportation back to India after completing their sentences.
Graphic Details Unfolded in Court
According to court documents, Gaganpreet Singh was behind the wheel while Jagdeep, the car’s owner, sat in the front passenger seat. The pair were driving around after leaving a pizza shop near 102 Avenue and King George Boulevard.
Just minutes later, 9-1-1 callers witnessed the Mustang striking a man lying on the road. One caller, who was on the phone with police at the time, described the horrifying moment the victim got trapped under the car. “Oh my God, someone just hit him… he’s stuck under the car,” the caller can be heard saying in audio played during the sentencing hearing.
Instead of stopping to help, Gaganpreet attempted to dislodge the victim by reversing the vehicle, then drove away with the body still stuck underneath. Video surveillance captured the vehicle dragging the man through city streets before the pair pulled into a cul-de-sac and tried multiple times to remove the body using a flashlight.
Eventually, with help from surveillance footage and forensic evidence, the two were identified and arrested. DNA from the victim was found on Gaganpreet’s hand, prosecutors said.
Judge Condemns “Indifference” and “Horrific” Injuries
Judge Mark Jetté, who presided over the sentencing, described the victim’s injuries as “horrific” and criticized both men for showing a disturbing lack of concern during the incident.
“It is agreed that the victim was alive before being struck,” said Jetté. “Both displayed indifference… I see no point in detailing the injuries here.” The judge noted that the victim left behind a wife and a nine-year-old child.
Despite their lack of criminal history and guilty pleas, the judge said both were equally responsible and sentenced them to:
- 18 months in jail for dangerous driving
- 18 months for interfering with a dead body
- A concurrent 18-month sentence for failing to stop and render aid
The three-year driving prohibition and a DNA order were also issued for both men.
Crown Satisfied with the Sentence
Outside the courthouse, Crown prosecutor Adam Jantunen said he was satisfied with the judge’s decision.
“I think the sentence sends a strong message — these are serious offences,” he said, noting both men’s likely deportation following their incarceration.
During the emotional court session, family members of the deceased wept as the sentence was read, some needing support from others outside courtroom 101.
Case Timeline Highlights:
- Jan 27, 2024 – Incident occurs near University Drive, Surrey
- 911 call made as witnesses see the victim being hit
- Mustang caught on surveillance dragging the body
- Victim later dislodged and left on side street
- DNA evidence and video surveillance confirm suspects’ roles
- July 2025 – Both men sentenced in Surrey Provincial Court
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