Back to Back NRI deaths in Canada Raise Safety Concerns

The back-to-back NRI deaths in Canada has raised concerns about their safety and survival. Over 17 Indians studying in Canada died in violent attacks during 2018-2025. The rising number of deaths is sending shockwaves among the migrant communities.

Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, while replying to a query in Lok Sabha by MIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi, said that 17 students died in Canada, nine in the US, 3 in Australia, and one each in the UK, China, Denmark, Germany, Grenada and Kyrgyzstan.

According to latest reports, Chandan Kumar, an NRI from Karnantaka, has died after a shooting incident in Canada. Toronto police said that the attack took place in the parking area of the Woodbine Shopping Centre near Rexdale Boulevard and Highway 27, on Saturday afternoon.

Police confirmed the victim as Chandan Kumar Raja Nandakumar, living in Brampton. It was found that several rounds were fired at the vehicle he was travelling in. Thirtyseven-year-old Chandan hails from Thyamagondlu village in Karnataka and has migrated to the US several years ago, for his livelihood. His father is a retired teacher.

An investigation has been launched into the firing and the motive behind the attack. The victim has been working in Canada for the last six years. Chandan’s parents have been informed about the attack.

On December 23, 2025, 20-year-old Shivank Avasthi, was gunned down on the Highland Creek Trail near the Scarborough campus. Toronto police said that 28-year-old Babatunde Afuwape was arrested in connection with the attack. Shivank was a student of UTSC, in the third year of life sciences. Following the deaths, several students expressed fear and anger on social media, highlighting the safety of international students.

Two days later, 30-year-old Himanshi Khurana was killed in Toronto, in what was reported as an act of intimate partner violence. Police issued a warrant for the arrest of Abdul Ghafoori, suspected of committing the crime. Police said that their investigation into a missing person case led to them to the murder. The victim and suspect are known to each other, the police added.

The Government of India has shared that over 1,203 Indians died in Canada between 2020 and 2024, due to several reasons including natural causes, accidents, suicides, violence and homicide.