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What is the story about?
A 20-year-old Indian student was shot dead near the University of Toronto Scarborough campus, prompting a homicide investigation. Toronto police confirmed that Shivank Avasthi's death marked the city’s 41st homicide of 2025.
Officers were called to the area of Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road at approximately 3:30 p.m. after reports of ‘unknown trouble,’ the Toronto Police Service said in a statement.
When officers arrived, they found a male victim with a gunshot wound on a paved trail running through a wooded section near the campus perimeter. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said the suspect fled before officers arrived. No description has been released.
A passerby discovered the body and called 911.
Duty Inspector Jeff Allington told reporters on Tuesday night that there was no indication of an ongoing threat to public safety on campus, according to a CBC report.
Who was Shivank Avasthi
Toronto police identified the victim on Wednesday as Shivank Avasthi, 20. He was an Indian national studying in Toronto. Police have not released further details about his academic program or how long he had been in Canada.
Investigators are still working to determine the circumstances that led to the shooting.
Indian consulate responds to Shivank Avasthi’s shooting
The Consulate General of India in Toronto issued a statement expressing ‘deep anguish’ over Avasthi’s death and said it is supporting his family.
“We express deep anguish over the tragic death of a young Indian doctoral student, Shivank Avasthi… The Consulate is in touch with the bereaved family during this difficult time, and is extending all necessary assistance in close coordination with local authorities,” the statement said.
The killing comes days after another fatal incident involving an Indian-origin resident in Toronto - the death of 30-year-old Himanshi Khurana - adding to concern within the community
For now, police say the focus remains on identifying suspects, establishing motive, and speaking to anyone who may have been in the area around the time of the shooting.
Authorities have requested that anyone with information contact the Toronto Police as the investigation is ongoing.
News
Release - Homicide Investigation, Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road, Victim: Shivank Avasthi, 20, Image Releasedhttps://t.co/WdkKqp4pGe pic.twitter.com/XF6NAYJwgX
— Toronto Police (@TorontoPolice) December 24, 2025
Officers were called to the area of Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road at approximately 3:30 p.m. after reports of ‘unknown trouble,’ the Toronto Police Service said in a statement.
When officers arrived, they found a male victim with a gunshot wound on a paved trail running through a wooded section near the campus perimeter. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said the suspect fled before officers arrived. No description has been released.
A passerby discovered the body and called 911.
Duty Inspector Jeff Allington told reporters on Tuesday night that there was no indication of an ongoing threat to public safety on campus, according to a CBC report.
Who was Shivank Avasthi
Toronto police identified the victim on Wednesday as Shivank Avasthi, 20. He was an Indian national studying in Toronto. Police have not released further details about his academic program or how long he had been in Canada.
Investigators are still working to determine the circumstances that led to the shooting.
Indian consulate responds to Shivank Avasthi’s shooting
The Consulate General of India in Toronto issued a statement expressing ‘deep anguish’ over Avasthi’s death and said it is supporting his family.
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 is in touch with the bereaved family during this difficult time, and is extending…
— IndiainToronto (@IndiainToronto) December 25, 2025
“We express deep anguish over the tragic death of a young Indian doctoral student, Shivank Avasthi… The Consulate is in touch with the bereaved family during this difficult time, and is extending all necessary assistance in close coordination with local authorities,” the statement said.
The killing comes days after another fatal incident involving an Indian-origin resident in Toronto - the death of 30-year-old Himanshi Khurana - adding to concern within the community
For now, police say the focus remains on identifying suspects, establishing motive, and speaking to anyone who may have been in the area around the time of the shooting.
Authorities have requested that anyone with information contact the Toronto Police as the investigation is ongoing.
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