The Consulate General of India in Toronto has expressed deep sorrow and concern following the tragic killing of an Indian student in a shooting near the University of Toronto’s Scarborough campus. The victim, identified as Shivank Avasthi, was a doctoral student who lost his life in a fatal shooting incident in the Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road area, Toronto Police confirmed on Tuesday.
In an official statement posted on X, the Consulate conveyed its anguish over the death of the young student and assured that it is in close contact with Avasthi’s family, extending every possible support while working closely with Canadian authorities.
“We express deep anguish over the tragic death of a young Indian doctoral student, Mr. Shivank Avasthi… The Consulate is in touch with the bereaved family and extending all necessary assistance in close coordination with the local authorities,” the statement read.
According to the Toronto Sun, police officers rushed to the scene after receiving reports of gunfire and found Avasthi with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead on the spot. Authorities confirmed that the suspects fled before police arrived, prompting the temporary lockdown of the university campus during the investigation. The incident has been recorded as Toronto’s 41st homicide of the year, marking the second crime-related death of an Indian national in the city within days.
Another Indian-Origin Individual Killed in Separate Incident
In a separate tragic case, Toronto Police earlier reported the death of 30-year-old Indian-origin woman Himanshi Khurana, whose murder has led to a Canada-wide arrest warrant for 32-year-old Abdul Ghafoori, who is believed to have known the victim. Investigators stated that the case appears to involve intimate partner violence, according to CBC News.
The Consulate in Toronto also expressed “deep shock and sadness” over Khurana’s murder and is coordinating with authorities while providing support to her family.
Both incidents have raised serious concerns over the safety of Indian nationals and students in Toronto, prompting heightened engagement between Indian authorities and Canadian law enforcement.