Candles illuminated Meadowgate Park on Saturday evening as community members gathered to remember Raman Devi, a mother of two young children who was killed inside her Summerside home last month. The vigil brought together family, friends, community leaders, and advocates to honour Devi’s life, support her loved ones, and call for an end to violence against women and girls. Attendees observed a moment of silence and lit candles at dusk. Devi’s mother addressed the gathering, fighting back tears as she called for justice for her daughter. Devi’s two young children were also in attendance. Friends and community members spoke about the loss and the lasting impact of her death. “Today, it’s hard to believe that a month has already passed since we lost you,” said Sandra Sanchez, Devi’s friend. “Your presence, your smile — we wish we could talk to you again. And honestly, it still doesn’t feel real.” Mandeep Singh, 41, of London was arrested at the scene and charged with second-degree murder. Police confirmed Singh and Devi were involved in an intimate relationship. Jessie Rodger, executive director of Anova, said the circumstances of Devi’s death highlight the need for continued action to address violence against women. “There is so much pain and sadness and how her life ended,” Rodger said. “And it’s so important not to look away. The way she died reinforces how much more work we have to do.” London West MPP Peggy Sattler also called for greater efforts to address intimate partner violence and gender-based violence. Sattler said she has co-sponsored a private member’s bill, the Intimate Partner Violence as an Epidemic Act, which seeks to recognize intimate partner violence as an epidemic. She said recognizing the scope of the problem is a critical first step toward addressing its impact across communities and socioeconomic backgrounds. Jennifer Dunn, executive director of the London Abused Women’s Centre, urged those attending the vigil to turn their grief into action. “We gather in grief, but we must also leave here with a commitment to look out for each other, to speak up, and to keep working toward a community where women and girls live free from violence,” Dunn said. A fundraiser organized by members of the Sikh community has been established to help support Devi’s two children. Organizers said the vigil was an opportunity to stand with Devi’s family and ensure her life is not defined solely by the circumstances of her death. A list of resources and contact information for those experiencing intimate partner violence can be found on the LPS’ website.
