The Indian community in Canada is reeling from the tragic killing of 20-year-old Shivank Avasthi, an Indian doctoral student, who was fatally shot near the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) campus on Tuesday afternoon.
Avasthi, a third-year life sciences student and member of the university’s cheerleading team, was found by a passerby on a paved trail near Highland Creek with a fatal gunshot wound at approximately 3:30 pm.
This incident marks Toronto’s 41st homicide of 2025 and follows the brutal murder of another Indian national, 30-year-old Himanshi Khurana, just days earlier.
The Consulate General of India in Toronto has expressed deep anguish, stating they are in constant touch with the bereaved family and coordinating with local authorities as suspects remain at large.
Indian Student Killed in Canada
The fatal shooting occurred in broad daylight in the Highland Creek Trail area, a scenic valley frequently used by students for recreation and transit. Following the discovery of Avasthi’s body, the UTSC campus was immediately placed under a shelter-in-place order as tactical units combed the valley for suspects.
While police initially described the attack as an isolated incident, the tragedy has sparked intense fear and anger among the student body. Many have taken to social media to highlight long-standing security concerns, claiming they have repeatedly flagged the valley area for its lack of adequate lighting and emergency patrols.
Hunt For Suspects
Toronto Police Duty Inspector Jeff Allington confirmed that the suspect or suspects fled the scene before officers arrived, and currently, no description has been released.
The Consulate General of India in Toronto issued a poignant statement on X: “We express deep anguish over the tragic death of a young Indian doctoral student, Mr Shivank Avasthi… the Consulate is extending all necessary assistance in close coordination with local authorities.”
Simultaneously, the community remains on edge as police continue a Canada-wide manhunt for Abdul Ghafoori, the suspect in the separate murder of Himanshi Khurana, which investigators believe was a case of intimate partner violence.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The loss of two young Indian lives in Toronto within a single week is a heart-wrenching development that demands more than just routine condolences.
At The Logical Indian, we believe that the safety of international students and migrants, who travel thousands of miles in search of a better future, is a collective responsibility of the host nation.
Educational institutions must bridge the gap between “campus beauty” and “campus safety,” ensuring that trails and valleys are not left as blind spots for crime. We stand in solidarity with the Avasthi and Khurana families, advocating for swift justice and structural reforms in urban safety.
Read This: Indian-Origin Woman Found Dead in Canada, Partner Named Prime Suspect; Nation-Wide Manhunt Launched
