A 20-year-old Indian doctoral student, Shivank Avasthi, was fatally shot near the University of Toronto's Scarborough Campus on Tuesday afternoon, marking the city's 41st homicide of 2025. Toronto Police responded to reports of an injured person in the Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road area around 3:34 pm, discovering Avasthi with a gunshot wound; he was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed that the suspect or suspects fled before officers arrived and have appealed for public assistance in identifying and apprehending those responsible, urging tips through dedicated hotlines or anonymous channels.

The Consulate General of India in Toronto conveyed profound anguish over the tragic incident, describing it as a devastating loss of a promising young scholar. Officials stated that they are maintaining close contact with Avasthi's grieving family, coordinating with local law enforcement to provide comprehensive support during this harrowing period. The consulate's response underscores the growing concern over the safety of Indian students pursuing higher education in Canada amid a series of violent incidents targeting the community.

This killing follows closely on the heels of another murder involving an Indian national in Toronto. Last week, 30-year-old Himanshi Khurana was found dead in a residence after a missing person report was filed. Police have issued a first-degree murder warrant for 32-year-old Abdul Ghafoori, a Toronto resident reportedly in an intimate relationship with the victim, who remains at large as investigations continue.

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The consulate expressed deep shock and sadness regarding Khurana's death, extending heartfelt condolences to her family while assuring full assistance in liaison with Canadian authorities. These consecutive cases have heightened alarm within the Indian diaspora, prompting renewed calls for enhanced security measures and swift justice to address the vulnerabilities faced by international students and residents.

As investigations into both incidents proceed, the repeated targeting of Indian nationals in Toronto has cast a shadow over the city's reputation as a safe destination for higher education. Authorities continue to seek public cooperation to bring the perpetrators to account, emphasizing the urgency of community vigilance in preventing further tragedies.

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