Who was Shivank Avasthi? Indian doctoral student shot dead near Toronto University

Police are currently searching for the suspect and have appealed to the public for information.

The deceased has been identified as Shivank Avasthi, a 20-year-old Indian doctoral student. According to the Toronto Police Service, the incident occurred on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at around 3:34 pm.

In an official statement, police said officers responded to a call reporting “unknown trouble” in the Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road area, close to the university campus. Upon arrival, they found the male victim suffering from a gunshot wound.

“The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene,” police confirmed, adding that the suspect fled before officers arrived.

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Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact Toronto Police at 416-808-7400 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477). The case has been recorded as Toronto’s 41st homicide of the year.

Indian Consulate Reacts

Reacting to the tragic incident, the Consulate General of India in Toronto expressed deep sorrow over Avasthi’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 said in a post on X.

The Consulate added that it is in close contact with the bereaved family and is providing all possible assistance while coordinating with Canadian authorities.