The brutal killing of a young Indian national has shaken Toronto, with police confirming that a 30-year-old Indian woman was murdered in Toronto last week in what investigators believe may be a case of intimate partner violence.
The victim has been identified as Himanshi Khurana, a Toronto resident. Canadian law enforcement authorities have issued a search warrant for 32-year-old Abdul Ghafoori, also of Toronto, charging him with first-degree murder in connection with the case.
Indian: Missing Person Call Led to Grim Discovery
According to a press release from the Toronto Police Service, officers responded to a missing person call late on the night of December 19, after concerns were raised in the Strachan Avenue and Wellington Street West area.
The investigation took a tragic turn early the following morning. At around 6.30 am on Saturday, December 20, police located the missing woman deceased inside a residence.
In an official statement released on Monday, Toronto Police confirmed that the death was classified as a homicide, prompting the Homicide Unit to take over the investigation.
Victim Identified as Himanshi Khurana
Police later identified the deceased as Himanshi Khurana, whose image released by authorities matched photographs circulating on social media profiles bearing her name. On those platforms, she described herself as a Toronto-based digital creator, according to earlier media reports.
The confirmation that an Indian woman was murdered in Toronto has sparked grief and concern within both the local Indian diaspora and communities back in India.
Indian: Suspect Known to the Victim, Police Say
Investigators have stated that the victim and the suspect were known to each other. A CBC News report cited police sources who believe the killing may be an act of intimate partner violence.
A Toronto Police spokesperson also told local broadcaster CP24 that Himanshi Khurana and Abdul Ghafoori were involved in an intimate partner relationship.
“We have released an image of the suspect, and that is out there,” the spokesperson said. “We’re appealing to the public—if anyone knows where this man is, please contact police immediately.”
Authorities are urging the public not to approach the suspect and to share any information that may assist in locating him.
Indian Consulate Expresses Shock and Grief
The Indian Consulate in Toronto issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the killing. In a post shared on X, the Consulate said it was “deeply saddened and shocked” by the murder of Ms Khurana.
“We extend our deepest condolences to her bereaved family during this moment of profound grief,” the statement read.
The Consulate added that it has been in close contact with local authorities and is extending all possible assistance to the victim’s family as the investigation continues.