A young Indian woman’s death in Toronto has triggered a major police manhunt and renewed concerns over intimate partner violence abroad. Canadian authorities are searching for a suspect after a 30-year-old Indian national was found dead inside a home, days after she was reported missing. The case has drawn attention from Indian officials, who have assured full support to the victim’s family.
Who Was the Indian Woman Found Dead in Toronto?
The victim was identified as Himanshi Khurana, an Indian national living in Toronto. Police confirmed that she was reported missing late on December 19.
Officers responded to a call in the Strachan Avenue and Wellington Street West area at 10.41 pm on Friday. They launched a search immediately.
The following morning, at around 6.30 am on Saturday, police made a grim discovery.
What Toronto Police Found During the Search
Toronto Police said officers located Himanshi Khurana dead inside a residence during the search operation.
In an official release, police said, “officers located the missing female deceased inside a residence.”
Investigators classified the death as a homicide. The case was then handed over to the Toronto Police Homicide Unit.
Authorities confirmed that the victim and the suspect knew each other.
Who Is the Suspect in the Murder Case?
Police have identified 32-year-old Abdul Ghafoori, a Toronto resident, as the suspect. Investigators have issued a search warrant against him on a charge of first-degree murder.
A Toronto Police spokesperson urged the public to help trace the accused.
The spokesperson said, “We have released an image of the suspect, and that is out there, and we’re appealing to the public, if anybody would happen to know where this man is, to please call the police.”
Police believe the suspect and the victim shared a close personal connection.
Was This a Case of Intimate Partner Violence?
Investigators suspect the killing may be linked to intimate partner violence.
A police spokesperson confirmed that the victim and the suspect “were in an intimate partner relationship.”
Authorities are examining the nature of their relationship as part of the ongoing probe.
An image released by police matched photographs shared earlier on social media by an account bearing Himanshi Khurana’s name. The profile described her as a Toronto-based digital creator.
Indian Consulate Responds to the Killing
The Indian Consulate in Toronto expressed deep shock over the incident. In a statement posted on X, it said, “We are deeply saddened and shocked by the murder of Ms Himanshi Khurana, a young Indian national, in Toronto. We extend our deepest condolences to her bereaved family during this moment of profound grief.”
The statement added, “The Consulate has been in close touch on the matter over the past few days, and all possible assistance is being extended to the family in close coordination with local authorities.”
Indian officials continue to coordinate with Canadian authorities as the investigation progresses.
What Happens Next in the Investigation
Police are actively searching for the suspect and continue to gather evidence. Authorities have appealed to the public for information that could help locate him.
The case has sparked renewed calls for awareness around domestic violence and safety among immigrant communities.