TORONTO, Dec 26 — India’s Consulate in Toronto said it was in touch with the family of a 20-year-old Indian student killed in a shooting near the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus and was coordinating with local authorities to provide assistance.
“We express deep anguish over the tragic death of a young Indian doctoral student, Shivank Avasthi, in a fatal shooting incident near the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus,” the Consulate said in a statement posted on X. “The Consulate is in touch with the bereaved family during this difficult time and is extending all necessary assistance.”
The University of Toronto Scarborough Campus said it was “extremely saddened” by the death but did not confirm whether the victim was enrolled at the institution.
“We cannot comment on the identity of the victim at this time,” a UTSC spokesperson said in a statement Wednesday evening. “We are grateful to our Campus Safety team, Toronto Police Service and emergency medical service personnel for their immediate response and action.”
Following the shooting, the university issued a safety alert advising those inside buildings to remain indoors and urging people outdoors to leave the area. In a social media post, UTSC said the police investigation was centered in the Highland Creek Valley on campus grounds.
Pathways leading into the valley remain closed, the university said, and community members were advised to avoid the area until police reopen it.
Toronto police have confirmed the death is being treated as a homicide and said the investigation is ongoing.
