20-Year-Old Indian Doctoral Student Killed in Toronto Campus Shooting
A 20-year-old Indian student, Shivank Avasthi, was tragically shot dead near the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) campus on December 23, 2025.
Toronto police said they responded to a call around 3:34 p.m. for a person in distress near Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road.
When officers arrived, they found Avasthi with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police Investigate as Homicide
Police have classified the case as a homicide investigation.
Authorities said the suspect fled the area before police arrived.
No arrest has been made so far. Police have urged the public to provide any information.
The police described the incident as isolated with no ongoing threat to the campus community.
Who Was Shivank Avasthi
Shivank was a doctoral student at UTSC, reportedly in his third year of advanced studies in life sciences.
He was also a member of the UTSC cheerleading team, where teammates remembered him for his friendliness and support.
His cheer team said he brought energy and smiles to everyone at practice.
Campus Response
The University of Toronto Scarborough issued a shelter-in-place alert after the shooting.
Students were told to stay indoors or avoid the Highland Creek valley until police cleared the area.
Although the lockdown was lifted later, the community remains shaken by the incident.
India Expresses Condolences
India’s Consulate General in Toronto expressed “deep anguish” over the tragic shooting.
The consulate said it is in close contact with Avasthi’s family and providing assistance.
Safety Concerns and Reactions
The shooting has raised concerns about student safety, especially near campus trails used by many students.
Students and campus groups are calling for better security measures for off-campus areas.
The tragic death has also sparked discussion on safety for international students in Canada.
Shivank Avasthi’s untimely death has left family, friends, and the campus community devastated and seeking justice.
