Toronto – A 20-year-old Indian student, Shivank Avasthi, was fatally shot near the University of Toronto Scarborough campus on Tuesday afternoon. The Toronto Police Service responded to reports of a person with serious injuries in the Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road area at approximately 3:34 p.m. Upon arrival, officers found Avasthi with a gunshot wound, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The incident marks Toronto's 41st homicide of 2025. Authorities believe the suspect or suspects fled the area before police arrived. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.
The shooting prompted a brief lockdown at the University of Toronto Scarborough campus, with students and staff instructed to stay in safe areas. Access routes toward Highland Creek Valley were also closed during the investigation. However, the university administration later clarified that there was no threat to the campus, and police indicated that it appeared to be an isolated incident.
The Consulate General of India in Toronto has expressed deep anguish over Avasthi's death. In a statement released on X, the consulate conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family and affirmed that they are providing all necessary assistance in close 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 read. The consulate also stated they are in contact with Avasthi's family during this difficult time.
This is the second death of an Indian national in Toronto due to a crime in recent days. Earlier in December, Himanshi Khurana, 30, was found murdered. Police have issued an arrest warrant for Abdul Ghafoori, 32, in connection with Khurana's death.
Toronto Police are urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact them. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the motive and identify the suspect or suspects involved in Avasthi's death.
