Indian student shot dead near University of Toronto campus

Toronto: A 20-year-old Indian PhD student was shot and killed close to the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) campus, and authorities are treating the incident as a homicide, officials said.

As per reports, he was attacked on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Toronto police identified the victim as Shivank Avasthi, according to a report by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

Duty Inspector Jeff Allington said police were called around 3.30 pm to the Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road area after receiving a report about an injured person lying on the ground.

When officers reached the location, they found an individual with a gunshot wound, who was pronounced dead at the scene, the report stated.

Investigators are handling the case as a homicide, reported PTI.

“Our immediate priority is preserving evidence, understanding what took place, and notifying the victim’s next of kin. Because of that, there is very little we can share at this time,” Allington told reporters.

Police said the suspect left the scene before officers arrived, and no description of the suspect has yet been released.

Meanwhile, the Consulate General of India in Toronto expressed “deep anguish” over the killing.

“We express deep anguish over the tragic death of young Indian doctoral student, 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 coordination with local authorities,” the consulate posted on X.

A University of Toronto Scarborough spokesperson said the university was “extremely saddened” to learn about the death near campus, but did not confirm whether the victim was enrolled there, CP24 reported.

“We cannot comment on the identity of the victim at this stage,” the statement added, while thanking campus safety staff, Toronto Police and emergency services for their swift response.

UTSC issued a safety alert advising people inside buildings to remain indoors and those outside to leave the area.

In a social media update, the university said the investigation is centered in the Highland Creek Valley area at UTSC. It added that pathways into the valley will stay closed and people should avoid the location until police reopen it.