Indian doctoral student shot dead near Toronto campus, Canada tops Indian student deaths abroad

A 20-year-old Indian doctoral student was shot dead near the University of Toronto Scarborough campus on Tuesday afternoon, with Canadian authorities investigating the incident as a homicide. Toronto police said they were called to the Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road area around 3:30 pm after a passerby reported an injured person lying on a paved pathway in the wooded valley close to the campus.

Duty Inspector Jeff Allington said officers arrived to find the victim suffering from a gunshot wound and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim was later identified as Shivank Avasthi, an Indian national studying in Canada. Police said the suspect fled the area before officers arrived and no description has been released so far. No arrests have been made and investigators have not disclosed any motive.

Canadian media reports said the shooting occurred in a valley area frequently used by students and pedestrians. Following the incident, the University of Toronto Scarborough campus issued a safety alert advising those inside buildings to remain indoors and those outdoors to leave the area. The university said police were conducting an investigation in the Highland Creek Valley and that pathways into the area would remain closed until further notice.

A spokesperson for the University of Toronto Scarborough said the institution was extremely saddened by the death near the campus but did not confirm whether the victim was enrolled there, adding that the university was grateful to campus safety staff, Toronto police and emergency medical personnel for their swift response.

India’s Consulate in Toronto expressed deep anguish over the tragic death of the young student and said it was in close contact with the bereaved family while extending all necessary assistance in coordination with local authorities.

The killing has renewed focus on the safety of Indian students in Canada. Official Indian government data shows that Canada records the highest number of Indian student deaths abroad compared with all other countries. Over the past five years, Canada has also reported the highest number of Indian student deaths due to violent incidents, even as authorities stress that most student deaths occur due to non-violent causes. Police have appealed to the public for information as the investigation continues.