What is the MEA doing regarding the Indian student's death in Canada?
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Synopsis
The tragic death of an Indian student in Canada has raised serious concerns. The Ministry of External Affairs is actively engaged with local authorities and providing support to the victim's family while seeking answers about the incident. This situation highlights the challenges faced by Indian students abroad.
Key Takeaways
- MEA is actively involved in the investigation of the shooting incident.
- Shivank Avasthi was a dedicated student pursuing his doctorate.
- The Canadian authorities have launched a manhunt for suspects.
- The Indian government is providing support to the victim's family.
- Concerns have been raised about the treatment of Indian nationals in foreign healthcare systems.
New Delhi, Dec 26 (NationPress) The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Friday that New Delhi is actively engaging with local authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of an Indian-origin student near his university campus in Canada earlier this week.
During a weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the Indian consulate is providing comprehensive support to the family of the deceased.
In response to inquiries regarding the Indian-origin student shot near his university campus, Jaiswal remarked, "We are in contact with his family. This is a deeply unfortunate incident, and we extend our heartfelt condolences. We are also liaising with local authorities to uncover the details that led to his demise. Our consulate is committed to offering all necessary assistance to the bereaved family."
The victim, a 20-year-old Indian student, was fatally shot close to the University of Toronto’s Scarborough campus on Tuesday. He has been identified as Shivank Avasthi, an Indian national pursuing doctoral studies in Canada. Canadian authorities have initiated a manhunt and are seeking public assistance regarding the incident. According to Toronto Police, he was found with a gunshot wound on Tuesday afternoon, marking the city’s 41st homicide of the year. The statement added, "The suspect(s) fled the scene before police arrived."
During the same briefing, Jaiswal was also asked about the death of an Indian-origin man believed to have suffered a cardiac arrest while awaiting treatment in a Canadian hospital.
"Regarding the medical case you mentioned, the individual is of Indian origin but is a Canadian citizen. Hence, the Canadian government should take responsibility in this matter," Jaiswal stated.
This comment followed the incident involving a 44-year-old man named Prashant Sreekumar, who passed away in an Edmonton hospital's emergency room waiting area. On December 22, Sreekumar experienced severe chest pain while at work. A client transported him to an Edmonton hospital, where he was checked in at triage and subsequently seated in the waiting area, as reported by Global News.
His father, Kumar Sreekumar, who arrived at the hospital shortly after, disclosed that his son had conveyed to both him and the hospital staff that his pain level was a staggering 15 out of 10. According to Kumar, the staff performed an electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess his heart function but informed the family that there was nothing significant, advising them to wait.
The report further indicated that Prashant was given Tylenol for his pain, but he was only called to the treatment area after more than eight hours of waiting.
"After sitting for maybe 10 seconds, he looked at me, got up, placed his hand on his chest, and collapsed," his father recounted to Global News.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the importance of safety and support for Indian nationals studying abroad. The government's proactive approach in liaising with local authorities reflects a commitment to ensuring justice and assistance for affected families. Our nation stands united in support of our citizens, wherever they may be.
NationPress
27/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the Indian student in Canada?
An Indian-origin student was fatally shot near his university campus in Canada, prompting investigations by local authorities.
Who is the Indian student that was killed?
The victim is Shivank Avasthi, a 20-year-old Indian national pursuing doctoral studies in Canada.
What is the Ministry of External Affairs doing?
The MEA is in contact with local authorities and is extending support to the family of the deceased.
What other incident involving an Indian national occurred?
An Indian-origin man named Prashant Sreekumar died in a hospital waiting area in Canada due to suspected cardiac arrest.
What did Prashant Sreekumar's father say about his son's treatment?
Kumar Sreekumar mentioned that his son reported severe pain but received minimal attention while waiting for treatment.
