Indian student, 20, shot dead near Toronto campus

26-Dec-2025

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The Consulate General of India in Toronto on Dec 25 expressed anguish over the killing of 20-year-old Shivank Avasthi, an Indian doctoral student, in a shooting near the University of Toronto Scarborough campus.

“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 statement posted on X. “The Consulate is in touch with the bereaved family during this difficult time, and is extending all necessary assistance in close coordination with the local authorities.”

Police said Avasthi was shot on Dec 23 in the Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road area. Officers arrived to find him suffering from a gunshot wound and pronounced him dead at the scene. Investigators said the suspects fled before police arrived. The campus was briefly locked down as officers searched the area. The killing marked Toronto’s 41st homicide this year.