The fatal shooting of Shivank Avasthi, a 20-year-old Indian doctoral student, near the University of Toronto’s Scarborough Campus has sent shockwaves through the Indian diaspora in Canada and raised renewed concerns over public safety and violent crime in major Canadian cities. The incident, which Toronto Police have classified as the city’s 41st homicide of the year, occurred in a quiet trail area during daylight hours, intensifying public unease about the circumstances surrounding the killing. As investigators continue their search for the suspect or suspects, the case has drawn diplomatic attention from India and renewed scrutiny of violence affecting international students in Canada.
Shivank Avasthi was found with a gunshot wound on Tuesday afternoon in the Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road area, a location close to the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus. Despite emergency response efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Police have confirmed that the suspect fled before officers arrived, and no arrests have been made so far. Authorities have released limited details about the motive or circumstances leading up to the shooting, leaving many unanswered questions as the investigation continues.
The killing has resonated deeply within student communities, particularly among international students who often face additional vulnerabilities while studying abroad. Avasthi’s death follows other recent violent incidents involving Indian nationals in Toronto, adding to concerns about safety, community support, and the adequacy of preventive measures for newcomers to the country.
Details of the Shooting and Ongoing Police Investigation
According to an official statement released by Toronto Police, officers were dispatched at approximately 3:34 pm on Tuesday following a report of “unknown trouble” in the Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road area. Upon arrival, officers located a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency medical services were called, but the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Police later identified the victim as Shivank Avasthi, a 20-year-old Indian national and doctoral student. Investigators confirmed that the suspect or suspects had fled the area prior to police arrival, prompting a manhunt and an appeal to the public for information. Toronto Police emphasized that the investigation remains active and urged anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward.
Authorities have asked witnesses or individuals with relevant information to contact police directly at 416-808-7400. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or via its website. Investigators are examining surveillance footage from nearby areas, canvassing the neighborhood, and attempting to reconstruct Avasthi’s movements prior to the shooting.
Shivank Avasthi, a 20-year-old Indian student, was shot dead near the University of Toronto's Scarborough campus in Canada on Dec 23. The Toronto Police has classified the incident as homicide. No arrests have been made & the investigation is ongoing#IndianStudentShotInCanada… pic.twitter.com/mQfD4n663I
— CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18News) December 26, 2025
As of now, police have not disclosed whether the victim was targeted or if the shooting was random. No details have been released regarding a possible suspect description, weapon type, or motive. The lack of publicly available information has heightened anxiety among local residents and students who frequent the trail and surrounding areas.
Toronto Police described the case as the city’s 41st homicide of the year, a statistic that has drawn attention amid ongoing debates about gun violence and urban safety. While Toronto is often regarded as one of North America’s safer large cities, recent incidents have challenged that perception and prompted calls for stronger preventive policing and community engagement.
India’s Diplomatic Response and Support for the Family
The Government of India responded swiftly to the killing, expressing deep anguish over the death of the young student. The Consulate General of India in Toronto issued a statement on social media describing the incident as tragic and confirming that it is providing assistance to Avasthi’s family during this difficult period.
In its statement, the Consulate said it was in close contact with the bereaved family and coordinating with local authorities to ensure all necessary support is extended. Diplomatic missions often play a critical role in such cases, assisting families with legal procedures, repatriation of remains if requested, and communication with local law enforcement agencies.
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The death of Shivank Avasthi has also sparked concern among Indian students and parents considering Canada as a destination for higher education. Canada hosts hundreds of thousands of Indian students each year, many of whom pursue advanced degrees at leading institutions such as the University of Toronto. Incidents involving violent crime can have far-reaching effects on perceptions of safety and trust, particularly when victims are young students far from home.
Indian community organizations in the Greater Toronto Area have expressed condolences and called for a thorough investigation. Some have urged Canadian authorities to ensure transparent communication and timely updates, while others have emphasized the need for stronger safety measures around university campuses and student housing areas.
The Consulate’s involvement underscores the seriousness with which India views the incident and reflects broader diplomatic concerns about the welfare of Indian nationals abroad. While violent crime is not unique to any one community, repeated incidents involving Indian citizens have intensified scrutiny and prompted calls for preventive strategies tailored to international students.
Rising Concerns After Recent Murders of Indian Nationals in Toronto
The killing of Shivank Avasthi comes just days after another violent death involving an Indian national in Toronto, further heightening alarm within the community. Last week, 30-year-old Indian woman Himanshi Khurana was found murdered in a residence after being reported missing. Toronto Police later issued a warrant for 32-year-old Abdul Ghafoori, charging him with first-degree murder in connection with her death.
Police stated that Khurana and the accused were reportedly in an intimate partner relationship, highlighting the distinct but equally troubling issue of domestic and intimate partner violence. In that case as well, the Consulate General of India in Toronto expressed shock and sorrow, confirming that it was providing assistance to Khurana’s family in coordination with Canadian authorities.
The proximity in timing of these two cases has amplified fears among Indian residents and students, even though the circumstances differ significantly. Community leaders have cautioned against drawing premature conclusions but acknowledge that repeated incidents can contribute to a sense of insecurity, particularly among newcomers who may already feel isolated.
Experts note that international students often face challenges such as limited local support networks, unfamiliarity with emergency resources, and heightened stress related to academics and finances. These factors can exacerbate the impact of violent incidents, even when students are not directly involved. Universities and local governments have been urged to strengthen outreach, improve lighting and surveillance in public spaces, and provide clearer safety guidance to students.
At the same time, law enforcement officials have reiterated that Toronto remains a diverse city where millions live and study safely, and that isolated incidents should be examined carefully and individually. They emphasize that investigations are ongoing and that public cooperation is essential to solving cases such as the killing of Shivank Avasthi.
As the search for the suspect continues, Avasthi’s death stands as a stark reminder of the human cost behind crime statistics. For his family, friends, and academic peers, the loss is deeply personal and irreversible. For the wider community, it has become a moment of reflection on safety, accountability, and the responsibilities shared by institutions, authorities, and society at large in protecting young lives pursuing education far from home.
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