A 20-year-old Indian-origin student, identified as Shivank Avasthi, was recently shot dead near the University of Toronto Scarborough campus. The police are probing the case as a homicide. India’s Consulate in Toronto expressed “deep anguish” over the student’s “tragic death” and said, “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.” 

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Who was Shivank Avasthi? 

India’s Consulate in Toronto described him as a “young Indian doctoral student”, indicating he was pursuing advanced studies in Canada at the time of this incident. His image was released as part of the investigation. Avasthi was a student of life sciences, and he was in his third year.

What happened?

As per Toronto Police, officers were dispatched around 3:40-3;34 pm on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, after a call was received related to “unknown trouble” in the Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road area. When they arrived, officers found a male with a gunshot wound, who was later declared dead at the scene.

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In its press release, police stated that the suspect had fled from the crime scene before officers reached the incident site.

A report by CBC, quoting Duty Inspector Jeff Allington, reported that a person walking through the wooded area found Avasthi on a paved trail and informed the police by calling 911. Allington also stated to the reporters that he had no information indicating an immediate risk to public safety at the university at that time.

A spokesperson for the University of Toronto Scarborough said the institution was “extremely saddened” to learn of the death near its campus, but did not clarify whether the victim was enrolled there, as per a report by CP24.

Toronto Police have also appealed that anyone with information related to the scene contact the Homicide and Missing Persons Unit at 416-808-7400.