A tragic shooting in Canada has claimed the life of another Indian student, intensifying concerns over the safety of international students. Shivank Awasthi, a 20-year-old Indian national pursuing higher studies in Toronto, was shot dead by unidentified assailants on December 23. The incident came to light on Friday and has sent shockwaves through the Indian student community.
Incident Near University of Toronto
Shivank Awasthi was a third-year life sciences student at the University of Toronto’s Scarborough campus. According to Toronto Police, the attack occurred around 3:30 pm near the intersection of Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road, close to the university. Local residents alerted authorities after finding Shivank lying with gunshot wounds. Police rushed to the spot and confirmed that he had died before they arrived. The attackers fled the scene and remain absconding.
Police Investigation Underway
Toronto Police have registered the case as a homicide and launched a full-scale investigation. Special teams are searching for the suspects, but no arrests have been made so far. Officials said this incident marks the 41st homicide reported in Toronto this year. Following the shooting, the university briefly placed the campus under lockdown while officers conducted searches in the surrounding area.
Students Demand Better Security
Fellow students and faculty members expressed deep shock and grief over Shivank’s death. He was an active member of the university’s cheerleading team and well-known on campus. Students blamed inadequate security measures, poor lighting, and unsafe trails near the campus for the incident. Many demanded immediate steps to improve safety for students, especially those living or commuting nearby.
Indian Consulate Expresses Grief
The Consulate General of India in Toronto expressed profound sorrow over the incident. In a statement, it said it was coordinating with local authorities and supporting the victim’s family in every possible way. The consulate also noted that the rising number of attacks on Indian students in Canada is a matter of serious concern.
Between 2019 and 2024, around 172 Indian students have reportedly died in Canada, the highest among countries hosting Indian students. Earlier this week, another Indian-origin woman, Himanshi Khurana, was found dead in Toronto under suspicious circumstances, further deepening fears within the community.
