Indian doctoral student murdered near Toronto university, India expresses anguish

The killing of an Indian student near a Toronto university marks the city’s 41st homicide of the year

December 26, 2025

Second Indian national killed in Toronto within a week

A 20-year-old Indian student was shot dead near the University of Toronto’s Scarborough Campus, prompting Canadian police to seek public assistance in identifying and arresting the suspect. The victim, Shivank Avasthi, a doctoral student, was found with a fatal gunshot wound on Tuesday, marking Toronto’s 41st homicide case this year.

According to police, officers responded at around 3:34 pm to reports of an “unknown trouble” in the Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road area. Upon arrival, they found a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said the suspect or suspects fled before officers arrived. Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.

India expressed “deep anguish” over Avasthi’s killing. The Consulate General of India in Toronto said it was in close contact with the bereaved family and was extending all necessary assistance while coordinating with local authorities.

The incident comes just days after another Indian national, 30-year-old Himanshi Khurana, was murdered in Toronto. Police found her body inside a residence a day after a missing person report was filed. A warrant has been issued against 32-year-old Abdul Ghafoori for first-degree murder. Police said Khurana and the accused were in an intimate partner relationship. The Indian Consulate has expressed shock over her death and said it is providing all possible support to her family.

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