Canada’s Parole System Under Scrutiny After Indian Student’s Murder
Canada’s parole system is under renewed scrutiny following the murder of an Indian doctoral student in Toronto.
The killing has sparked debate over whether public safety failed due to lenient release policies.
Twenty-year-old Shivank Avasthi was shot and killed near the University of Toronto’s Scarborough campus on December 23, 2025.
Police described the incident as targeted and launched a nationwide search.
Authorities arrested 28-year-old Babatunde Afuwape five days later.
He now faces a charge of first-degree murder.
The case has intensified concerns about how Canada supervises violent offenders after release.
Critics question whether warning signs were overlooked.
Suspect’s Violent Criminal History
Court records show Afuwape had a lengthy criminal history before the killing.
In 2018, he took part in an armed robbery involving a pizza delivery driver.
During the robbery, he stabbed the victim several times.
The victim survived, but the attack caused lasting injuries.
Police also linked Afuwape to gunfire at a Scarborough residence in 2020.
He later faced multiple convictions.
These included armed robbery, firearm offences, and repeated breaches of court orders.
The court sentenced him to more than five years in prison.
Judges also imposed a ten-year firearms ban and ordered DNA submission.
Despite this, Afuwape violated release conditions several times.
Records show he removed his electronic ankle monitor.
He also failed to remain at approved residences during supervision.
Why Was He Released on Parole?
The Parole Board of Canada granted Afuwape day parole in March 2025.
The board later extended that release.
Parole decisions rely on risk assessments, behaviour records, and psychological evaluations.
Officials classified Afuwape as low to moderate risk.
The board cited good conduct while incarcerated.
They also referenced program participation and supervision plans.
Under Canadian law, inmates may apply for day parole after six months.
Full parole eligibility begins after serving one-third of a sentence.
Public Safety and Calls for Reform
The killing has triggered calls for stricter parole oversight.
Many argue violent offenders need tighter supervision.
Others say risk assessment tools require urgent reform.
Community groups stress prevention over rehabilitation shortcuts.
Avasthi’s death has shaken international students and families across Canada.
Pressure is now mounting on federal authorities to review parole policies.
The case highlights the difficult balance between rehabilitation and public safety.
