TORONTO (Diya TV) — A 20-year-old Indian student was shot dead near the University of Toronto’s Scarborough campus, marking the city’s 41st homicide this year and deepening fears among international students about safety in Canada. The killing comes just days after another Indian national was murdered in Toronto, raising urgent questions about security, justice, and the future of the study-abroad dream.
Toronto police said Shivank Avasthi, a 20-year-old Indian doctoral student, died after sustaining a gunshot wound on Tuesday afternoon. Officers responded to a call at about 3:34 p.m. in the area of Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road, near the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus.
Police found Avasthi with serious injuries at the scene. Paramedics pronounced him dead shortly after arrival. Investigators said the suspect or suspects fled before officers reached the area. Police have released an image and are asking the public to help identify those responsible. Authorities described the case as Toronto’s 41st homicide of the year. The investigation remains active, and police continue to collect evidence from the scene.
Toronto police urged anyone with information to come forward. They asked witnesses or tipsters to contact investigators directly or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers. Officers said even small details could help move the case forward. The shooting occurred near a busy campus area, heightening concern among students and residents. Many international students said the incident has left them shaken and fearful about their safety while studying abroad.
India reacted swiftly to the killing. The Consulate General of India in Toronto expressed “deep anguish” over Avasthi’s death and said it is assisting his family. In a statement posted on X, the consulate said it is working closely with local authorities and providing all necessary support to the bereaved family. Indian officials also called for a thorough investigation and swift justice.
Avasthi’s death follows the murder of another Indian national in Toronto last week. Police said 30-year-old Himanshi Khurana was found dead inside a residence after she was reported missing.
Investigators issued a warrant for 32-year-old Abdul Ghafoori, a Toronto resident, on charges of first-degree murder. Police said Khurana and Ghafoori were in an intimate partner relationship. The Indian consulate said it was shocked by Khurana’s death and confirmed it is providing all possible help to her family. The back-to-back killings have intensified anxiety within the Indian community in Canada.
Indian students form the largest group of foreign students in Canada and the United States. Many families invest their life savings to send children abroad, drawn by promises of quality education, global exposure, and career opportunities.
However, recent violent incidents have fueled concerns about personal safety. Students report rising fear of gun violence, hate crimes, and targeted attacks. Many say they feel vulnerable despite paying high tuition fees and contributing billions of dollars to host economies. Community leaders have urged Canadian authorities to strengthen campus security and improve support systems for international students. They also called for better communication between police, universities, and immigrant communities.
The killings have sparked debate over whether international students receive adequate protection. Critics say governments must do more to address violent crime and reassure foreign students and their families. Experts warn that repeated incidents could damage Canada’s image as a safe destination for education. They say trust, once lost, can take years to rebuild.
