New Delhi: Shivank Avasthi, a 20-year-old Indian doctoral student, was shot dead near the University of Toronto’s Scarborough campus in Canada Tuesday.
According to a statement, Toronto Police responded to reports of a person with serious injuries at approximately 3:34 pm (GMT) on 23 December near the Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road area.
“Officers located a male victim with a gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced deceased on scene. The suspect(s) fled the area prior to police arrival,” the statement read.
Avasthi’s killing marks the 41st homicide in Toronto this year, the police have said.
News Release – Homicide Investigation, Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road, Victim: Shivank Avasthi, 20, Image Releasedhttps://t.co/WdkKqp4pGe pic.twitter.com/XF6NAYJwgX
— Toronto Police (@TorontoPolice) December 24, 2025
The Consulate General of India in Toronto expressed “deep anguish” over his “tragic death”. “The Consulate is in touch with the bereaved family during this difficult time, and is extending all necessary assistance in close coordination with the local authorities,” a post on its X account read.
We express deep anguish over the tragic death of a young Indian doctoral student, Mr. Shivank Avasthi, in a fatal shooting incident near the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus. The Consulate is in touch with the bereaved family during this difficult time, and is extending…
— IndiainToronto (@IndiainToronto) December 25, 2025
Last week, another person of Indian origin, 30-year-old Himanshi Khurana, was murdered at her home in Toronto. Abdul Ghafoori, 32, a resident of Toronto, has been accused of killing her. Reports suggest he shared an “intimate partner relationship” with her.
The police have since issued a warrant for Ghafoori for first-degree murder.
(Edited by Mannat Chugh)
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