Young scholar’s killing shocks Indian diaspora as Canadian authorities hunt gunman and secure university surroundings.
Canadian authorities are investigating the fatal shooting of a 20-year-old Indian doctoral student near the University of Toronto Scarborough, in a case now being treated as a homicide.
Toronto Police confirmed that the victim, Shivank Avasthi, was discovered with a gunshot wound on Tuesday afternoon near Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road. Emergency services were called to the area around 3:30 p.m., where officers found Avasthi lying on the ground. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to Duty Inspector Jeff Allington, investigators are focused on preserving evidence, reconstructing the incident, and notifying the victim’s family. Police stated that the suspect fled before officers arrived and that no description has yet been released.
The killing has sent shockwaves through the Indian community in Canada. India’s Consulate General of India in Toronto expressed “deep anguish” over the tragedy, confirming it is in close contact with Avasthi’s family and is coordinating with Canadian authorities to provide assistance.
The University of Toronto Scarborough issued an emergency safety alert shortly after the incident, advising people on campus to remain indoors and avoid the Highland Creek Valley area, where police continue their investigation. Pathways into the valley remain closed pending further notice.
A university spokesperson said the institution was “extremely saddened” by the fatal incident near campus grounds, while declining to formally confirm the victim’s enrollment status. The university thanked campus safety officers, the Toronto Police Service, and emergency medical personnel for their rapid response.
As investigators search for the suspect, the case has renewed concerns over student safety and gun violence in urban university environments. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as the homicide probe continues.
