Indian student shot dead near University of Toronto campus
Toronto (PTI): A 20-year-old Indian doctoral student has been shot dead near the University of Toronto Scarborough campus, with authorities probing the case as a homicide, officials said.
The shooting took place on Tuesday, and the Toronto police on Wednesday identified the victim as Shivank Avasthi, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported.
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Police were called to the area of Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road at about 3:30 pm on Tuesday for a report of an injured person lying on the ground, Duty. Inspector Jeff Allington told reporters near the scene on Tuesday night.
When officers arrived, they found a person with a gunshot wound. That person was pronounced dead at the scene, the report added.
The police are probing the case as a homicide.
"Our immediate focus is on preserving evidence at the scene, determining what happened and notifying this individual's next of kin. Because of that, there is very little information that I am able to share with you tonight," Allington said.
Toronto police said the suspect fled the area prior to police arrival. No suspect description has been released.
Meanwhile, India's Consulate in Toronto expressed “deep anguish” over the student’s “tragic death”.
"We express deep anguish over the tragic death of a young Indian doctoral student, 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," the Consulate posted on X.
A UTSC spokesperson said the university was “extremely saddened” to learn about the death near their campus, but did not confirm if he was a student, CP24 Television network reported.
“We cannot comment on the identity of the victim at this time,” the spokesperson said in a statement Wednesday evening.
"We are grateful to our Campus Safety team, Toronto Police Service and emergency medical service personnel for their immediate response and action.”
The University of Toronto Scarborough campus (UTSC) issued a safety alert advising anyone in a building to stay inside and anyone outdoors to leave the area.
In a social media post, the school said the police investigation is in the Highland Creek Valley at UTSC. It said pathways into the valley remain closed, and people are advised to avoid the valley until police reopen it.
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Karnataka gram panchayats achieve record 89 pc tax collection in 2025-26: Minister
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka has achieved a significant milestone in grassroots governance, with 5,943 gram panchayats across the state recording higher tax collection and revenue realisation in 2025-26 compared to the previous financial year, Minister Priyank Kharge said on Thursday.
The Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj reported total tax collections of Rs 1,382.57 crore in 2025-26, marking an increase of Rs 110.04 crore over Rs 1,272.54 crore collected in 2024-25, the minister’s office said in a statement.
This represents a record 89 per cent realisation of the current demand, the highest in recent years, it added.
The Minister for Rural Development & Panchayat Raj said, “Our focus over the past few years has been on improving systems, ensuring accountability, and empowering local bodies to enhance their own revenue capabilities.”
“It is encouraging to see that every rupee collected is being reinvested into village infrastructure, public services, and local development. This is laying a strong foundation for inclusive and sustainable rural growth,” he added.
Karnataka had previously secured the top position at the national level in tax collection and revenue mobilisation, and the continued upward trend highlights the impact of efficient administration, strict enforcement of regulations, and strengthened tax collection mechanisms.
In 2024-25, gram panchayats had, for the first time in the department’s history, collected Rs 1,272.54 crore, achieving 80 per cent of the current demand.
Building on this momentum, the state further improved performance in 2025–26, reaching a record 89 per cent collection efficiency, the statement said.
This achievement has been driven by extensive awareness campaigns, targeted tax collection drives, and the sustained efforts of officials at all levels—from gram panchayat bill collectors to senior administrators, the minister said, congratulating all staff and officers for their contribution.
Highlighting district-level performance, Priyank noted that Raichur district recorded an exceptional 129 per cent tax collection, while 11 districts across the state achieved over 100 per cent collection, demonstrating strong local-level execution and compliance.
Over the past three years, Karnataka has witnessed a steady upward trend in tax collection. The increased revenue is being channelled into public works, improved civic services, and local development initiatives, contributing to the overall progress of rural communities, he added.
