TORONTO Police say that on Tuesday, December 23 at approximately 3:34 p.m., they responded to a call for an ‘unknown trouble’ in the Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road area.

It is reported that officers responded to reports of a person with serious injuries and located a male victim with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased on scene. The suspect(s) fled the area prior to police arrival.

The victim has been identified as Shivank Avasthi, 20, of Toronto. Police released an image of him.

This is Toronto’s 41st homicide of 2025.

The Indian Consulate General said in a post on X on Thursday: “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 is in touch with the bereaved family during this difficult time, and is extending all necessary assistance in close coordination with the local authorities.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7400, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.