Key Points:
- Himanshi Khurana, 30, Indian digital creator, found dead in Toronto house after missing person report
- Police issue Canada-wide warrant for Abdul Ghafoori, 32, suspect in first-degree murder
- Victim last seen December 19 near Strachan Avenue and Wellington Street West
- Indian Consulate in Toronto expresses shock, assures full support to grieving family
- Incident marks 40th homicide in Toronto in 2025, raising safety concerns among Indian diaspora
Toronto police discovered Himanshi Khurana’s body inside a residence around 6:30 AM on December 21, 2025, approximately eight hours after her family filed a missing person report. The report was lodged at 10:41 PM on December 19, 2025, when Khurana, last seen in the Strachan Avenue and Wellington Street West area, failed to return home. Police conducted an extensive overnight search operation, tracing her last known movements through surveillance footage and digital footprints. The discovery of her body prompted an immediate homicide investigation, with forensic teams collecting evidence throughout the weekend.
The Suspect and Ongoing Manhunt
Investigators quickly identified Abdul Ghafoori, 32, as the primary suspect, establishing that he and Khurana were in a relationship. Toronto police have charged Ghafoori with first-degree murder and issued a Canada-wide arrest warrant, indicating they believe the killing was premeditated. Authorities released Ghafoori’s photograph to the public on December 23, 2025, appealing for information about his whereabouts. Police have warned that Ghafoori may be dangerous and should not be approached by civilians. The suspect’s last known location remains unclear, prompting a coordinated search effort across Canadian provinces.
Indian Consulate’s Swift Response
The Consulate General of India in Toronto responded within hours of the murder confirmation, posting on X (formerly Twitter) on December 22, 2025. The consulate expressed being “deeply saddened and shocked” by the murder of the “young Indian citizen” and extended condolences to her family. Consul General Apoorva Srivastava has been in constant contact with Toronto Police Service’s homicide squad and the victim’s family, ensuring they receive legal assistance, counseling services, and help with repatriation procedures. The consulate has also demanded a high-level investigation, citing concerns about rising violence against Indian nationals in Canada.
Community Impact and Growing Safety Concerns
Khurana’s murder has sent shockwaves through Toronto’s Indian community, where she was known as an active digital creator with a significant social media following. Community leaders have organized virtual safety meetings, and the Indian Students Association at Toronto universities has issued safety advisories for international students. This homicide represents the 40th in Toronto for 2025, a figure that has alarmed diaspora organizations. The murder follows a pattern of recent incidents targeting Indian citizens, including the fatal stabbing of an Indian student in Vancouver last month and armed robberies targeting Indian-owned businesses in the Greater Toronto Area.
Broader Context of Intimate Partner Violence
Toronto police have explicitly classified this case as intimate partner violence, highlighting a troubling trend in the city. Statistics from the Toronto Police Service show that intimate partner violence calls increased by 12% in 2025 compared to the previous year. Victim support organizations have pointed out that immigrant women often face additional barriers in seeking help due to visa dependencies and cultural stigma. The South Asian Women’s Centre in Toronto has reported a 30% increase in crisis calls from Indian-origin women this year, many citing relationship violence and threats.
Investigation Status and Next Steps
Toronto Police Service’s homicide unit, led by Detective Sergeant Sarah Thompson, is handling the investigation. Police are analyzing Khurana’s digital communications, social media activity, and financial transactions to establish a complete timeline. They are also interviewing friends, family members, and acquaintances of both Khurana and Ghafoori. The Canada Border Services Agency has been alerted to prevent Ghafoori from fleeing the country, and Interpol may be contacted if an international flight is suspected. A memorial vigil organized by the Indian community is planned for December 26, 2025, at Nathan Phillips Square.
