The Consulate General of India in Toronto has expressed anguish over the killing of 20-year-old Shivank Avasthi, an Indian doctoral student, who was shot near the University of Toronto Scarborough campus.
"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."
Police said Avasthi was shot on Tuesday in the area around Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road. Officers reached the spot to find him suffering from a gunshot wound and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators said the suspects fled before police arrived. The campus was briefly placed under lockdown while officers searched the area. The incident marked Toronto’s 41st homicide this year.
The killing has sparked fear and anger among students at the University of Toronto Scarborough. In a Reddit post, a student said Shivank Avasthi, described as a third year life sciences student, was shot in broad daylight inside the campus valley, an area heavily used by students and frequently promoted by the university. The post raised concerns about poor lighting, a lack of surveillance cameras and inadequate security, issues students said they had raised repeatedly.
It also criticised the limited information released about suspects and motive, warning that many students now feel unsafe returning to campus, particularly those attending late classes or exams.
Shivank Avasthi was also a member of the University of Toronto Scarborough cheerleading team, which paid tribute to him in a post on Instagram.
"We are deeply saddened and in shock by the sudden loss of a beloved Maroon, Shivank Avasthi,” the team said, recalling how he lifted spirits during practice with his encouragement and support. “He brought a smile to anyone’s face, and we were lucky to have him as part of our team. He will always be part of our UTSC Cheer family."
Rising attacks on Indians in Canada
The shooting came just days after another violent incident involving an Indian national in the city. Toronto police said a 30 year old Indian origin woman, Himanshi Khurana, was found murdered. Police are searching for Abdul Ghafoori, also of Toronto, in connection with the case.
Police said the case appears to involve "intimate partner violence", according to CBC News. In a post on X, India’s Consulate in Toronto said it is assisting Himanshi Khurana's family.
"We are deeply saddened and shocked by the murder of Ms Himanshi Khurana, a young Indian national, in Toronto," it said. "We extend our deepest condolences to her bereaved family during this moment of profound grief."