India, Sept. 9 -- A Quebec family that spent eight years building a life in Canada has returned to India after its refugee claim was rejected, ending a lengthy immigration battle that included a humanitarian application and a request for judicial review.

The Kumar family arrived in Canada in April 2018 and sought asylum. Harish Kumar said he left India because he believed his life was at risk.

The family was ordered to leave Canada after their refugee claim was denied. They boarded a flight to India on September 7, 2026.

"I'm very sad," Harish told CTV News before the departure.

The removal has been particularly difficult for Kumar's two sons, who spent most of their childhood in Quebec.

Fourteen-year-old Japesh Kumar was six when th...