Tragic Shooting Claims Life of Indian Student Near Toronto University

Incident Overview

Toronto: A 20-year-old Indian doctoral student was fatally shot near the University of Toronto Scarborough campus, prompting authorities to treat the incident as a homicide, according to officials.

The tragic event occurred on Tuesday, with the victim identified as Shivank Avasthi by Toronto police the following day, as reported by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

Emergency services were alerted around 3:30 PM on Tuesday regarding an injured individual found on the ground at Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road, as stated by Duty Inspector Jeff Allington during a press briefing at the scene.

Upon arrival, officers discovered a person suffering from a gunshot wound, who was unfortunately pronounced dead at the location.

The investigation is currently being handled as a homicide case.

Allington emphasized the importance of preserving evidence and understanding the circumstances surrounding the incident, while also notifying the victim's family. He noted that limited information could be shared at this time.

Authorities reported that the suspect had fled the scene before police arrived, and no description of the suspect has been made public.

In response to the incident, India's Consulate in Toronto expressed profound sorrow over the loss of the young student.

The Consulate stated, "We express deep anguish over the tragic death of a 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 close coordination with the local authorities," in a post on social media.

A spokesperson for the University of Toronto Scarborough expressed their sadness regarding the incident but did not confirm whether Avasthi was a student, as reported by CP24 Television.

"We cannot comment on the identity of the victim at this time," the spokesperson stated in a Wednesday evening announcement.

"We are grateful to our Campus Safety team, Toronto Police Service, and emergency medical service personnel for their immediate response and action."

The university issued a safety alert advising individuals inside buildings to remain there and those outside to vacate the area.

In a social media update, the university indicated that the police investigation is ongoing in the Highland Creek Valley at UTSC, advising the public to avoid the valley until it is reopened.