Daijiworld Media Network – Toronto
Toronto, Dec 26: A 20-year-old Indian doctoral student was shot dead near the University of Toronto’s Scarborough Campus, prompting local police to seek public assistance to trace the accused.
The victim has been identified as Shivank Avasthi, who was pursuing his doctoral studies in Canada. According to Toronto Police, the incident marks the city’s 41st homicide this year.
In an official statement issued on Wednesday, police said that officers responded to a distress call around 3.34 pm on Tuesday in the Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road area.
“Upon arrival, officers located a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect or suspects fled the area prior to police arrival,” the statement said.
Police have appealed to the public for any information that could assist in identifying and arresting those responsible for the shooting.
India Reacts
Reacting to the incident, the Consulate General of India in Toronto expressed deep anguish over the tragic death of the young Indian student.
“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 post on X.
It added that the Consulate is in close contact with the bereaved family and is extending all necessary assistance in coordination with Canadian authorities.
Another Indian National Killed
The incident comes close on the heels of another tragic case involving an Indian national in Toronto. Last week, 30-year-old Himanshi Khurana was found murdered at a residence, a day after she was reported missing from the Strachan Avenue and Wellington Street West area.
Toronto Police have issued an arrest warrant against 32-year-old Abdul Ghafoori, a Toronto resident, charging him with first-degree murder. Investigators said the accused and the victim were reportedly in an intimate partner relationship.
The Indian Consulate had earlier expressed shock over Khurana’s death and assured full support to her family.
“We are deeply saddened and shocked by the murder of Himanshi Khurana, a young Indian national, in Toronto. All possible assistance is being extended to the family in close coordination with local authorities,” the Consulate stated.