The deaths of two Indian nationals in Canada within a span of just two weeks have raised fresh concerns about safety among the Indian diaspora. While Canadian police say the cases are unrelated, both incidents have triggered fear, grief, and calls for justice from the community.
The latest case involves the fatal shooting of an Indian doctoral student near a university campus. The earlier case concerns the murder of an Indian woman in Toronto, where police suspect intimate partner violence. Together, the incidents have put the spotlight on rising crime worries among international students and immigrants.
Indian PhD Student Shot Dead Near Toronto University
The most recent killing involved Shivank Avasthi, an Indian doctoral student, who was shot dead near the University of Toronto’s Scarborough campus. Toronto Police said the shooting took place near the Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road area. Officers rushed to the scene after receiving reports of gunfire and found the victim suffering from a gunshot wound. He was declared dead on the spot.
Police said the suspects fled before officers arrived. Authorities temporarily locked down the campus as a precaution during the investigation. According to local reports, the incident marked Toronto’s 41st homicide this year. It was also the second case involving the death of an Indian national in recent days.
The Consulate General of India in Toronto confirmed it is assisting the victim’s family. “We express deep anguish over the tragic death of a young Indian doctoral student, Mr Shivank Avasthi, in a fatal shooting incident near the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus,” the Consulate General of India in Canada’s Toronto said in a statement on X.
Who Was Himanshi Khurana?
Days before Shivank Avasthi’s killing, another Indian national, Himanshi Khurana, was found murdered in Toronto. Himanshi Khurana, 30, was identified after police released her image. Her social media profile described her as a Toronto-based digital creator.
Toronto Police later confirmed the case as a homicide and said they suspect intimate partner violence. Authorities issued a Canada-wide search warrant against 32-year-old Abdul Ghafoori, charging him with first-degree murder.
How the Murder Case Was Discovered?
Police said officers first received a missing person call late on December 19 from the Strachan Avenue and Wellington Street West area. After launching a search, officers found Himanshi Khurana dead inside a residence the next morning.
Officers located the missing female deceased inside a residence,” Toronto Police said in a release. The case was later transferred to the Homicide Unit. Police said the victim and the suspect knew each other.
Are the Two Cases Linked?
Canadian authorities have clarified that there is no evidence linking the two deaths. One case involves a shooting near a university campus. The other points to domestic violence inside a residence. Investigators continue to treat them as separate incidents.
Fear and Concern Among the Indian Community
The back-to-back killings have caused anxiety among Indian students and professionals living in Canada. Community groups have urged authorities to strengthen campus security and improve support systems for international residents.
Many students say the incidents highlight the need for better safety awareness, faster police response, and stronger community outreach. As investigations continue, families and community members await answers and justice.
