Shooting Near University Campus Claims Life of Indian Doctoral Student

A 20-year-old Indian doctoral student was killed in a shooting near a Canadian university campus. Shivank Avasthi was fatally shot near the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus on December 23. The incident occurred in the Highland Creek Trail area.

Toronto police responded to the scene in the afternoon. The gunman fled after opening fire in broad daylight. This marks the 41st homicide in Canada this year.

Police Investigate Fatal Shooting of Promising Student

The shooting happened at approximately 3:34 p.m. local time. Paramedics pronounced Shivank Avasthi dead at the scene. His body was discovered by someone walking along the trail.

Avasthi was a third-year life sciences student. He was also a member of the university’s cheerleading team. His death has sent shockwaves through the academic community.

Police have stated they believe this was an isolated incident. They confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the university community. Investigators do not believe there was ever an “active shooter” on campus.

University and Diplomatic Response to the Tragedy

The University of Toronto issued a series of safety alerts. A temporary shelter-in-place order was enacted following the shooting. The order was lifted later that evening.

The Indian Consulate General in Toronto expressed deep anguish. Officials are in touch with the bereaved family. They are providing necessary assistance in coordination with local authorities.

The university asked people to avoid the Highland Creek valley area. Pathways remained closed as police continued their investigation. The search for the shooter is ongoing.

The fatal shooting of Indian doctoral student Shivank Avasthi is a profound loss. The investigation continues as the community seeks answers and mourns a promising young life cut short.

Thought you’d like to know

Who was Shivank Avasthi?

Shivank Avasthi was a 20-year-old doctoral student from India. He was in his third year of life sciences at the University of Toronto Scarborough. He was also a member of the university’s cheerleading team.

Where did the shooting take place?

The shooting occurred near the Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road. This area is close to the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus. The incident happened in the afternoon of December 23.

What was the university’s response?

The university issued safety alerts and a temporary shelter-in-place order. They instructed people on campus to seek safe shelter. The order was lifted by 6:30 p.m. local time.

Is there a threat to the campus?

Toronto police have stated this appears to be an isolated incident. They confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the university community. The investigation into finding the shooter is active.

How have authorities reacted?

The Indian Consulate General is providing assistance to the family. Toronto police are investigating the case as a homicide. They have released an image of the deceased student to the public.

What is the broader context of this event?

This incident is reported as the 41st homicide in Canada this year. It highlights concerns about violent crime. The case has drawn significant attention from both local and international communities.