A 20-year-old Indian student was shot dead near the University of Toronto’s Scarborough Campus on Tuesday. As a result, police have launched a homicide investigation and are asking the public for help to identify the attacker.
The victim, Shivank Avasthi, was an Indian national pursuing doctoral studies. According to Toronto police, this was the city’s 41st homicide case this year.
Police explain how the shooting unfolded
According to an official police statement released on Wednesday, officers responded to an emergency call in the afternoon.
“On Tuesday, at approximately 3:34 pm, police responded to a call for an unknown trouble in the Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road area. Officers responded to reports of a person with serious injuries. Officers located a male victim with a gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced deceased on scene,” the statement said.
However, the police confirmed that “the suspect(s) fled the area prior to police arrival”.
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
Authorities seek public assistance
Meanwhile, investigators have appealed to residents for information. Police urged anyone with details about the incident to contact them at 416-808-7400.
Alternatively, they said people could share information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or via www.222tips.com.
India reacts to Shivank Avasthi’s death
Soon after the incident, India expressed “deep anguish” over the “tragic” killing of the young student.
In a statement posted on X, the Consulate General of India in Toronto said it was actively assisting Avasthi’s family and coordinating with Canadian 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.
It added, “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”.
Second killing of an Indian national raises concern
Meanwhile, Avasthi’s death comes just days after another Indian national was murdered in Toronto. Last week, police found the body of 30-year-old Himanshi Khurana inside a residence.
Earlier, authorities had received a missing person report from the Strachan Avenue and Wellington Street West area. Police located her body the following day.
Police name suspect in Khurana murder
Following the discovery, Toronto police issued an arrest warrant for 32-year-old Abdul Ghafoori. Authorities charged him with first-degree murder.
Police said Ghafoori, a Toronto resident, and Khurana were in an “intimate partner relationship”.
Indian consulate offers support again
In response, the Consulate General of India in Toronto also expressed shock over Khurana’s death. It said officials were providing all possible assistance to her family.
“We are deeply saddened and shocked by the murder of Himanshi Khurana, a young Indian national, in Toronto. We extend our deepest condolences to her bereaved family during this moment of profound grief,” the consulate said.
It further added that it had remained in close contact with authorities and continued to support the family during the investigation.
Growing concern among Indian community
Overall, the two killings within a short span have heightened concerns among the Indian community in Canada. As investigations continue, authorities have assured that they are pursuing all leads to bring those responsible to justice.