New Delhi / Toronto: A 20-year-old Indian student was shot dead near the University of Toronto’s Scarborough Campus, prompting a manhunt for the accused, who remains at large. The incident has sent shockwaves through the Indian community in Canada and raised concerns over the safety of international students.

The victim, identified as Shivank Avasthi, a doctoral student, was found with a gunshot wound on Tuesday afternoon. According to Toronto Police, officers responded to a call at around 3:34 pm in the Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road area, where they located the injured student. He was pronounced dead at the scene, marking Toronto’s 41st homicide case this year.

Police said the suspect or suspects fled the area before officers arrived. An investigation is currently underway, and authorities have appealed to the public for assistance. Anyone with information has been urged to contact Toronto Police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.

India has expressed deep anguish over the tragic death. In a statement posted on X, the Consulate General of India in Toronto said it was in touch with the bereaved family and was extending all necessary assistance in close coordination with local authorities.

The killing comes close on the heels of another incident involving an Indian national in Toronto. Last week, 30-year-old Himanshi Khurana was found murdered at a residence, with police issuing a warrant for a Toronto resident in connection with the case. The Consulate General of India has also expressed shock over her death and assured full support to her family, as investigations in both cases continue.

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