A 20-year-old Indian student, Shivank Avasthi, was shot dead near a university campus in Toronto, Canada, in a killing that has sparked concern among the Indian diaspora regarding the student safety and security in foreign nations. The incident took place close to the University of Toronto’s Scarborough campus, where local police responded to reports of a shooting on Tuesday afternoon.
According to the police department, officers reached the spot to find the student with gunshot injuries. The student was declared dead on the scene, and the suspect fled immediately after the shooting and remains at large. The police have launched a homicide investigation and appeal for public assistance.
Who was Shivank Avasthi?
Shivank Avasthi was a 20-year-old Indian national studying in Canada. Avasthi was a doctoral student at the University of Toronto’s Scarborough campus (UTSC). He was in the third year of his advanced studies. He was also a member of the UTSC Cheerleading team.
His death comes just days after another Indian national, Himanshi Khurana, was murdered in Toronto; raising alarms over disturbing violence affecting Indians in the city. Police have not yet disclosed the motive behind the killing and have stated that investigations are ongoing. No arrests have been made so far.
India’s Stance on the Shooting
India has reacted strongly to the killing. The Indian Consulate in Toronto said it was “deeply anguished” by the death of Shivank Avasthi and confirmed that it is in close coordination with Canadian authorities. The Consulate stated that it is extending full assistance to the victim’s family, including support with legal processes and communication with local law-enforcement agencies. Indian officials have emphasised that the matter is being taken seriously, especially in light of recent incidents involving Indian nationals in Canada.
Further investigations are underway.
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