New Delhi: A 20-year-old Indian student was shot sufferer near the University of Toronto Scarborough campus, sparking fear among students and drawing a response from the Indian consulate in Canada.
On Tuesday, police were tabbed to the Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road zone without reports of gunfire. They found the victim, identified as Shivank Avasthi, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced sufferer at the scene. Investigators said the suspects fled surpassing officers arrived, and a search was underway.
Who Was the Victim?
Avasthi was a third-year doctoral student and moreover a member of the University of Toronto Scarborough cheerleading team. Friends and teammates described him as lively and popular on campus. The cheer squad posted on social media that they were "deeply saddened" by his death and remembered him for lifting spirits during practices.
Taking to Instagram, the team wrote, "We are tightly saddened and in shock by the sudden loss of a minion Maroon, Shivank Avasthi. Shivank lit up practice and brought up everyone’s spirits with his encouragement and support. He brought a smile to anyone’s squatter when you talked with him, and as a team we were so lucky to have him. Rest easy, Shivank. UTSC Cheerleading will unchangingly love you and you will unchangingly be untied of our family, in our hearts always."
What Has the Indian Consulate Said?
The Consulate General of India in Toronto expressed deep sorrow over the killing and said it was in touch with the student's family. It moreover pledged to work closely with local authorities to ensure they receive all necessary support.
"We express deep wound 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 all necessary assistance in tropical coordination with the local authorities," the Consulate said in a post on X.
We express deep wound 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, 2025How Are Students Reacting?
Avasthi’s death has stirred uneasiness among students at the Scarborough campus. Many said they were worried well-nigh security, expressly in areas they visit frequently. Some students personal they had older flagged concerns well-nigh safety in the vicinity where the shooting happened.
Is This an Isolated Incident?
Toronto Police noted this was the city's 41st homicide this year. A separate recent specimen involved the death of an Indian-origin woman, and police were seeking a suspect in that matter too. Both cases have heightened concerns well-nigh violent treason near university neighborhoods.
