'Shot dead near Toronto University': Indian student killed in Canada; suspect on the run

An Indian-origin student - studying at Canada’s University of Toronto - was killed after he was fatally shot near the campus by unknown attackers.

According to police, Shivank Avasthi — a 20-year-old doctoral student - was found with a gunshot wound on Tuesday in Toronto. Police are seeking the public’s help to arrest the accused.

“On Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at approximately 3.34 pm, police responded to a call for an Unknown Trouble in the Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road area,” police said in an official statement.




“Officers responded to reports of a person with serious injuries. Officers located a male victim with a gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced deceased on scene. The suspect(s) fled the area prior to police arrival. The victim has been identified as Shivank Avasthi, 20, of Toronto,” it added.

Meanwhile, India expressed “deep anguish” over the “tragic” death of Shivank Awasthi.

In a statement on X, the Consulate General of India in Toronto said it was providing necessary assistance to his family.

“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,” it said.

“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,” it added.