Indian Student Shot Dead Near University of Toronto Scarborough Campus
A 20-year-old Indian student was shot dead near the University of Toronto’s Scarborough Campus, triggering shock and grief among the Indian community in Canada. Toronto Police have launched a homicide investigation and urged the public to share any information that could help arrest the suspect.
The victim has been identified as Shivank Avasthi, an Indian national pursuing doctoral studies. Police confirmed that this was Toronto’s 41st homicide case reported this year.
Student Found With Gunshot Wound
Toronto Police said officers responded to an emergency call on Tuesday afternoon. The call came in around 3:34 pm from the Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road area, located close to the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus.
When officers reached the spot, they found a young man with a gunshot wound. Paramedics assessed the victim at the scene, but he did not survive. Police pronounced him dead on site.
Investigators said the suspect or suspects fled the area before officers arrived. Police have not yet released details about the motive or the number of people involved. They are now examining CCTV footage from nearby areas and speaking to potential witnesses.
Police Appeal for Public Information
Toronto Police have appealed to residents and commuters in the area to come forward with any information. Officers believe that witnesses may have seen suspicious activity around the time of the shooting.
Investigators are also asking anyone with dashcam or mobile phone footage from the area to contact the homicide unit. Police said even small details could help move the investigation forward.
The shooting has raised safety concerns among students and local residents, especially because it happened close to a major university campus during daytime hours.
India Expresses Deep Anguish
India reacted strongly to the killing. The Consulate General of India in Toronto expressed deep anguish over the tragic death of the young student.
In a post on X, the Consulate said it was in touch with Shivank Avasthi’s family and was offering full assistance. Officials said they are coordinating closely with Canadian authorities to support the investigation and help the bereaved family during this difficult time.
The Consulate also assured that it would provide all necessary help related to documentation and other formalities.
Another Recent Murder Shocks Community
The killing of Shivank Avasthi comes just days after another Indian national was murdered in Toronto. Last week, a 30-year-old Indian woman, Himanshi Khurana, was found dead inside a residence in the city.
Police located her body on Saturday, a day after her family reported her missing. The missing complaint was filed in the Strachan Avenue and Wellington Street West area.
Toronto Police later issued an arrest warrant for 32-year-old Abdul Ghafoori on charges of first-degree murder. Police said Ghafoori is also a Toronto resident. Reports suggest that Khurana and the accused were in an intimate partner relationship.
Consulate Assures Support to Families
The Consulate General of India in Toronto also expressed shock over Khurana’s death. In a separate statement, it said officials remained in close contact with local authorities and were extending all possible support to her family.
The back-to-back incidents have left the Indian diaspora in Canada deeply concerned. Community leaders have called for swift justice and stronger safety measures, especially for international students and young professionals living abroad.
