Partial remains of Indian-origin woman found in Hamilton landfill months after she went missing

In a tragic development, Canadian authorities have recovered partial human remains from a landfill site in Hamilton, believed to be those of Shalini Singh, a 40-year-old Indian-origin woman who had been missing since December 2024.

The remains were found on May 21 within a 5,000-cubic-metre targeted search zone at the Glanbrook Landfill on Haldibrook Road. The Hamilton Police Service’s homicide unit has been leading the extensive search operation since February 24, which was originally set to end on April 18 but was extended.

While DNA testing is still pending to formally confirm the identity, police have informed Singh’s family and are providing support through the Victim Services Unit.

Shalini Singh, a mental health care worker, was last seen on December 2, 2024, entering her apartment. She last communicated with her family on December 4, and was reported missing on December 10 by both her parents and her common-law partner.

Authorities noted suspicious circumstances around her disappearance. Surveillance footage showed Singh entering her residence, but she was never seen leaving. Her partner was located in Halton Region the day after she was reported missing, but has since refused to cooperate with the investigation. While known to the police, he has not been named a suspect or person of interest.

Investigators suspect Singh was killed in her apartment and her remains disposed of through the building’s waste system, prompting the months-long landfill search.

The police said the search at the site is still ongoing, and the timeline for its conclusion will depend on future developments.