Source News 18
TORONTO – A 20-year-old Indian doctoral student was fatally shot on Tuesday afternoon near the University of Toronto’s Scarborough campus (UTSC), marking the city’s 41st homicide of 2025. The victim has been identified as Shivank Avasthi, a third-year Life Sciences student and member of the university’s cheerleading team.
Incident Overview
The shooting occurred on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at approximately 3:34 p.m. Toronto Police responded to reports of “unknown trouble” in the area of Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road, a wooded valley area frequently used by students.
Upon arrival, officers discovered Avasthi suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite emergency efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The university campus was briefly placed under a shelter-in-place order as a precaution while police searched the area, though the order was lifted later that evening.
Investigation and Suspects
Toronto Police Homicide detectives confirmed that the suspect or suspects fled the scene before officers arrived. As of Friday morning, no suspect descriptions have been released, and no arrests have been made.
Investigators are currently:
Reviewing surveillance footage from the surrounding area.
Appealing to witnesses who may have been on the Highland Creek Trail on Tuesday afternoon.
Working to determine if the attack was targeted or random.
Official Reactions
The Consulate General of India in Toronto expressed “deep anguish” over the tragedy in a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter).
“We express deep anguish over the tragic death of a young Indian doctoral student, Mr. 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.”
A spokesperson for the University of Toronto Scarborough stated the institution is “extremely saddened” by the loss. Meanwhile, the UTSC cheerleading team paid tribute to Avasthi on social media, remembering him as a “beloved Maroon” who “brought a smile to anyone’s face.”
Growing Safety Concerns
The incident has sparked an outcry among the student body. In online forums, students have raised concerns regarding inadequate security in the campus valley, noting that the area is often poorly lit and has been flagged for safety improvements in the past.
This tragedy follows the recent murder of another Indian national, 30-year-old Himanshi Khurana, in Toronto just days earlier, further heightening concerns within the Indian community in Canada.
Call for Information:
Toronto Police are urging anyone with information, dashcam footage, or photos from the area to contact the Homicide and Missing Persons Unit at 416-808-7400 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers.
