20 year old Indian student shot dead near University of Toronto, suspects still on run

A young Indian doctoral student was shot dead near the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus, leading the Toronto Police Service to launch a homicide investigation. The Consulate General of India in Toronto expressed deep sorrow over the incident and said it is supporting the victim’s family.

According to the Toronto Police Service, the incident took place on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. Police said they received a call at around 3.34 pm reporting “unknown trouble” in the Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road area.

When officers reached the spot, they found a man with serious injuries. Police said officers “responded to reports of a person with serious injuries,” and later “located a male victim with a gunshot wound.” The victim was declared dead at the scene.

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Authorities said the suspect or suspects fled the area before police arrived. The victim was identified as 20-year-old Shivank Avasthi. Police confirmed that this was Toronto’s 41st homicide of 2025.

A homicide investigation has been launched, and police have appealed to the public for information. Anyone with details has been asked to contact police at 416-808-7400 or Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or through [www.222tips.com] (http://www.222tips.com).

Following the incident, the Consulate General of India in Toronto issued a statement on X expressing grief over the student’s death.

“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 all necessary assistance in close coordination with the local authorities,” the statement said.

The Consulate added that it remains in contact with local authorities as the investigation continues and is providing all possible support to the family.

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Earlier, Toronto Police said the campus was locked down during the investigation. Police again stated that the suspect or suspects escaped before officers reached the scene.

In a separate case, Toronto Police had earlier reported another homicide involving an Indian national. A 30-year-old Indian-origin woman, Himanshi Khurana, was found murdered in Toronto. Police issued a Canada-wide arrest warrant for Abdul Ghafoori (32), who was known to the victim. According to CBC News, investigators said the case appeared to involve “intimate partner violence.”