A 20-year-old Indian doctoral student was shot dead near the University of Toronto Scarborough campus, with authorities investigating the incident as a homicide, officials said.
The shooting occurred on Tuesday, and Toronto police on Wednesday identified the victim as Shivank Avasthi, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, reported news agency PTI.
Police were alerted to the Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road area at around 3:30 pm on Tuesday after receiving a report of an injured person lying on the ground, Duty Inspector Jeff Allington told reporters at the scene.
When officers arrived, they found a person with a gunshot wound. The individual was pronounced dead at the scene. The police are investigating the case as a homicide.
“Our immediate focus is on preserving evidence at the scene, determining what happened, and notifying this individual`s next of kin. Because of that, there is very little information I am able to share with you tonight,” Allington said, reported PTI.
Toronto police said the suspect fled the area prior to their arrival. No suspect description has been released.
Meanwhile, India`s Consulate in Toronto expressed “deep anguish” over the student`s “tragic death.”
“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 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 Consulate posted on X.
A UTSC spokesperson said the university was “extremely saddened” to learn about the death near their campus, but did not confirm if he was a student, CP24 Television reported.
“We cannot comment on the identity of the victim at this time,” the 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.”
According to PTI, the University of Toronto Scarborough campus (UTSC) issued a safety alert advising anyone indoors to stay inside and anyone outdoors to leave the area.
In a social media post, the school said the police investigation is focused on the Highland Creek Valley at UTSC. It added that pathways into the valley remain closed and people are advised to avoid the area until police reopen it.
(With PTI inputs)