MEA condoles death of Indian student in Canada

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday expressed deep condolences following the death of an Indian student in Canada, saying that Indian officials are in close touch with the bereaved family and local authorities to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Responding to a media query on the death of the Indian student, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the incident was extremely unfortunate and assured that all possible assistance is being extended. “We are in constant touch with his family, and this is an extremely unfortunate incident. We extend our deepest condolences and are coordinating with local authorities to understand the circumstances surrounding the death. Our consulate is providing all possible assistance to the family,” Jaiswal said.

The student has been identified as Shivank Avasthi, a 20-year-old Indian doctoral student studying near the University of Toronto campus. Canadian authorities said he was found with gunshot injuries earlier this week in an area close to the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) campus.

Toronto Police said, the shooting occurred on Tuesday afternoon near Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road. Police said they received a call at approximately 3:30 pm after a person walking through a wooded area discovered an injured individual lying on a paved trail and alerted emergency services.

Duty Inspector Jeff Allington told reporters that officers reached the scene promptly and found the victim suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite emergency response efforts, the student was pronounced dead at the scene. “All indications at this point suggest this is a homicide,” Allington said, adding that investigators are focused on preserving evidence, reconstructing the sequence of events, and formally notifying the victim’s next of kin.

Toronto Police confirmed that the suspect fled the area before officers arrived. No suspect description has been released so far, and authorities have appealed to members of the public to come forward with any information that may assist the investigation.  

Police said details remain limited due to the ongoing nature of the probe.Following the incident, the Indian Consulate in Toronto also expressed deep anguish over the student’s death. In a statement posted on social media platform X, the Consulate said it is in close coordination with Canadian authorities and is extending all necessary support to the family during this difficult time.

The University of Toronto Scarborough campus issued a safety alert shortly after the incident, advising students, faculty, and staff to avoid the affected area while police carried out their investigation. A UTSC spokesperson said the university was “extremely saddened” by the death near the campus but declined to confirm whether the victim was enrolled at the institution. “We cannot comment on the identity of the victim at this time,” the spokesperson said, while thanking campus safety teams, Toronto Police, and emergency medical services for their swift response.

Police said the investigation is currently focused on the Highland Creek Valley, with pathways into the area temporarily closed. The university has urged people to stay away from the valley until authorities reopen it.The MEA said it will continue to closely follow the case and remain engaged with Canadian authorities as the investigation progresses.