Two Indian Nationals Killed in Separate Incidents Across Canada
The Indian community in Canada is reeling from the tragic and separate deaths of two Indian nationals. In Toronto, a young student was shot dead, while in a different province, a woman was found deceased in a case of suspected domestic violence. The incidents have sparked concern and drawn sharp criticism from a Canadian journalist regarding law enforcement and the judicial system.
Details of the Toronto Student Shooting
Shivank Avasthi, a student at the University of Toronto Scarborough, was fatally shot near his university campus. The Indian consulate in Toronto confirmed the death, expressing deep anguish and stating they are in contact with the grieving family. As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with Avasthi's killing. The motive and the identity of the assailant remain unknown, leaving the investigation open.
A Second Tragedy: Case of Intimate Partner Violence
In an unrelated event, Himanshi Khurana, a 30-year-old Indian woman, was found dead after being reported missing. Police have classified her death as a case of "intimate partner violence" and have issued a Canada-wide arrest warrant for Abdul Ghafoori, whom they believe is responsible. This case is geographically distant from the Toronto shooting, confirming the two homicides are not connected.
Journalist's Scathing Critique of Canadian Police and Courts
Canadian journalist Daniel Bordman offered a harsh assessment of the situation. He expressed skepticism about the police investigation into Avasthi's murder, citing expectations of "extreme incompetence." Bordman further directed his criticism at the Canadian justice system, making a controversial comparison.
He suggested that if someone made a mean online comment about a non-White government official, they could face decades in jail. However, for a murder, he claimed the perpetrator, if caught, might only be imprisoned for up to three years before being released. "They will be put in jail for maybe up to three years before being let out to rampage the streets again," Bordman stated, highlighting his view of lenient sentencing for violent crime.
His comments underscore a growing frustration within some communities regarding law enforcement priorities and judicial outcomes in Canada. The Indian diplomatic mission's involvement indicates the seriousness with which the Indian government is treating the safety of its citizens abroad.
These two devastating losses have left families shattered and raised urgent questions about safety and justice for international students and immigrants in Canada.
