Indian Student Fatally Shot Near Toronto Campus as Suspect Remains at Large

Toronto police are urgently seeking public assistance to locate the perpetrator following the fatal shooting of a 20-year-old Indian student near the University of Toronto’s Scarborough Campus.

Shivank Avasthi, identified as a doctoral student, suffered a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene on Tuesday afternoon. The incident, classified as the city’s 41st homicide of the year, occurred in the area of Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road.

Authorities responded to reports of an individual with serious injuries around 3:34 p.m. Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim and confirmed the suspects had already fled. Toronto Police released a statement appealing for information, urging anyone with details to contact them directly at 416-808-7400 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.222tips.com.

The Consulate General of India in Toronto voiced profound sorrow over the incident, describing it as the tragic death of a young Indian doctoral student. In a post on X, the consulate stated it is maintaining close contact with the grieving family and coordinating with local officials to provide all necessary support.

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This shooting comes shortly after another case involving an Indian national in Toronto. Last week, 30-year-old Himanshi Khurana was found dead in a residence, one day after being reported missing in the Strachan Avenue and Wellington Street West area. Police have issued a warrant for 32-year-old Toronto resident Abdul Ghafoori on charges of first-degree murder, noting that the two were in an intimate partner relationship. The Consulate General of India in Toronto also expressed deep shock over Khurana’s death, extending condolences and assuring full assistance to her family.