An Indian doctoral student, Shivank Avasthi, was shot dead near the University of Toronto’s Scarborough Campus, prompting Canadian police to launch a homicide investigation and appeal to the public for information.
According to the Toronto Police Service, the 20-year-old student was found with a gunshot wound on Tuesday afternoon in the area of Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road. Police said they received a call reporting “unknown trouble” at around 3:34 pm. Officers arriving at the scene discovered a male victim with serious injuries, who was pronounced dead on the spot.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
In an official statement released on Wednesday, police confirmed that the suspect or suspects fled the area before officers arrived. The killing has been registered as Toronto’s 41st homicide case this year. Investigators have since released the victim’s identity as Shivank Avasthi and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Authorities have asked members of the public to contact police directly or reach out to Crime Stoppers anonymously, stressing that even small details could help identify and arrest those responsible.
India Expresses “Deep Anguish”
India reacted strongly to the killing, with the Consulate General of India in Toronto expressing “deep anguish” over the tragic death of the young student. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the Consulate said it was in close contact with Avasthi’s family and was providing all necessary assistance in coordination with local authorities.
“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 statement said, adding that support was being extended to the bereaved family during this difficult time.
Growing Concern Over Safety
The killing of Shivank Avasthi comes just days after another Indian national, Himanshi Khurana, was murdered in Toronto, raising concerns within the Indian community about safety. Canadian police have issued a warrant in Khurana’s case and said investigations are ongoing.
As the probe into Avasthi’s death continues, police have increased patrols in the area and are reviewing all available evidence, including witness statements and possible surveillance footage. The incident has sent shockwaves through the international student community, particularly among Indian students studying in Canada.
Police reiterated their appeal for public cooperation, saying that timely information could be crucial in bringing those responsible to justice.
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