Shivank Avasthi killer arrested in Canada: Cops believe accused Babatunde Afuwape randomly targeted Indian student, did not know him

The Toronto Police said they arrested a 28-year-old man in connection with the shooting on the University of Toronto’s Scarborough campus last month that left a 20-year-old Indian student Shivank Avasthi dead. 28-year-old Babatunde Afuwape, of Toronto, has been charged with first-degree murder but the cops have not yet cracked any motive. They don't believe that the killer even knew Avasthi and it was a random shooting and Avasthi was just caught in the firing.

“We believe he was there to kill somebody. How he chose that person, I don’t know,” Detective Sergeant Stacey McCabe said. She said the suspect was on campus for about an hour prior to the incident and investigators do not believe he was a student at the university.




The shooting occurred in the area, known as 'valley' in the university, which is used by the students, staff and members of the surrounding community. “We recognize that this incident caused a great deal of fear and concern for students, staff and members of the community, particularly those who use this trail,” McCabe noted.

“We do want to reassure the community that the person responsible is in custody.”

Accused was on parole when he shot Shivank Avasthi

Babatunde Afuwape was on parole for firearms offences at the time of the shooting, was he was taken into custody by the police for parole violation. Avasthi was a third-year international student at the university, McCabe added. “He was young, bright and had his whole life ahead of him,” she said. “Our thoughts remain with his family, friends, and classmates, and everyone affected by his loss.”

The shooting took place on December 23, 2025. The Indian embassy expressed deep anguish over the 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 is in touch with the bereaved family during this difficult time, and is extending all necessary assistance in close coordination with the local authorities," the embassy wrote at that time.