Indian student, 20, shot dead near Toronto University, accused at large
PTC News Desk: The Indian Consulate in Toronto on Thursday said it was deeply distressed by the killing of Shivank Avasthi, a 20-year-old Indian student, who was shot dead near the University of Toronto Scarborough campus. Police said Avasthi was found with a gunshot injury in the Highland Creek Trail–Old Kingston Road area on Tuesday and was declared dead on the spot.
The suspects escaped before officers reached the scene, and the campus was briefly locked down during the search. This was Toronto’s 41st homicide this year.
“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 Consulate said in a statement posted on X. “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.”
The incident has sparked fear and outrage among University of Toronto Scarborough students. In a Reddit post, a student said Avasthi, described as a third-year life sciences student, was shot in broad daylight inside a campus valley that is commonly used by students. The post criticised what it called poor security and said students had raised such concerns earlier. It also questioned the lack of details about the suspects and motive, noting that many students now feel unsafe, especially those with late classes or exams.
The shooting came shortly after another violent incident involving an Indian national in Toronto. Police said 30-year-old Himanshi Khurana, an Indian-origin woman, was found murdered, and a man named Abdul Ghafoori is being sought in the case. According to CBC News, police believe it was a case of intimate partner violence. The Indian Consulate said it is assisting Khurana’s family.
- With inputs from agencies
