Canada, Dec 26 : The Consulate General of India in Toronto on Thursday (local time) expressed deep anguish over the killing of an Indian doctoral student in a shooting incident near the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus.
In a statement posted on X, the Consulate said it is in close contact with the victim’s family and is extending all necessary assistance in coordination with Canadian authorities.
“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 statement said.
According to Toronto Police, the shooting occurred on Tuesday (local time) in the Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road area. Officers responding to the scene found Avasthi with a gunshot wound, and he was pronounced dead on the spot, local media reported.
Police officials said the suspects fled the scene before officers arrived, prompting a temporary lockdown of the campus during the investigation. As per the Toronto Sun, the incident marked the city’s 41st homicide of the year.
The development comes amid growing concern following another recent case involving the killing of an Indian origin woman in Toronto. Earlier this week, police said 30 year old Himanshi Khurana was found murdered, and a Canada wide arrest warrant has been issued against a suspect known to the victim.
On Wednesday, the Indian Consulate in Toronto had also expressed shock and sorrow over Khurana’s death, stating it was closely monitoring the case and providing all possible assistance to her family as investigations continue.