ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Indo-Canadian police officer killed in line of duty in Ontario
An 18-year-old man, who has been identified by OPP as Hearst resident Justin Veronneau, was taken into custody following the incident.
-
1747754650.png)
Ishani Duttagupta - Wed, 10, Jun 2026
- 15:28 EDT
- 38
Tarun Bali / Ontario Provinical Police
An Indo-Canadian officer with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was killed in the line of duty in northern Ontario on June 9 afternoon. OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique shared the news on social media, identifying the fallen officer as Provincial Constable Tarun Bali, who was killed while serving in the town of Hearst.
“It is with deep sorrow that I confirm that OPP Provincial Constable Tarun Bali was killed in the line of duty this afternoon in Hearst,” Carrique stated. “His courage and commitment to serving others will never be forgotten. As we grieve this immeasurable loss, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones, colleagues, and the policing community.”
Also Read: Indian family business gets federal support in Canada
The OPP added that Bali, 29, and members of the James Bay detachment were attempting to stop a vehicle in Hearst, Ontario, roughly 950 kilometres north of Toronto, as part of an investigation. During an “attempted apprehension” of that vehicle, Bali was struck. He died at the scene.
An 18-year-old man, who has been identified by OPP as Hearst resident Justin Veronneau, was taken into custody following the incident. He is facing charges of first-degree murder, assaulting an officer, two counts of fleeing police, resisting arrest, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and dangerous operation causing death.
Bali was originally from Brampton and had dreamt of being a police officer, Mayor Patrick Brown said. “His dream was to serve in public safety and to protect the public, and I know his family is reeling right now,” Brown added.
“The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Hearst on Wednesday, June 24, 2026,” the OPP said in a news release.
In a statement, the Ontario Provincial Police Association confirmed the tragic loss: “It is with great sadness that we inform our membership that OPP Provincial Constable Tarun Bali, of the Dufferin County Detachment (Central Region), died in the line of duty today while working with the James Bay Detachment (North East Region).” OPP Association President David Sabatini expressed the profound impact of the tragedy on the policing community.
“This is every police officer's and family member’s worst nightmare,” Sabatini stated. “This is another stark reminder of the dangers our members face each and every day as they serve and protect the citizens of Ontario. On behalf of the OPPA, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Provincial Constable Bali’s family, friends, and colleagues. We will steadfastly support PC Bali’s family and co-workers.”
Discover more at New India Abroad.
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login