Indian student shot dead near University of Toronto campus, no information on attackers yet

As per the Toronto Police, this is the 41st Homicide of 2025.

Shivank Avasthi, a 20-year old Indian doctoral student, was shot near the University of Toronto Scarborough campus. The Consulate General of India in Toronto expressed agony over the killing of the Indian student in Toronto.

"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," wrote the Consulate in a statement on social media.

It further said that the consulate is in touch with the bereaved family during difficult time, and id extending all necessary assistance needed.

The Toronto Police said that they received a call for regarding the incident in the Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road area. Once reached, the police found a male victim with a gunshot wound. He was then pronounced deceased on scene.

They reported that this is the 41st Homicide of 2025, while making public aware of the further investigation.

Moreover, the killing of the Indian student in Toronto has raised multiple concerns among students on the internet. In Reddit post, a student said Shivank Avasthi, a third-year life science student, was shot in broad daylight inside the campus of the university. It further questions the lag in security inside the campus.

Other students posted that the lack of information about the suspect is making them feel unsafe while returning to campus, especially the ones who are supposed to attend classes or exams.

Shivank Avasthi was also a member of the cheerleading team of the University of Toronto Scarborough. “We are deeply saddened and in shock by the sudden loss of a beloved Maroon, Shivank Avasthi,” the team gave a tribute to their team member on social media.