Daijiworld Media Network - Toronto
Toronto, Dec 24: A 30-year-old Indian national, identified as Himanshi Khurana, was found murdered in Canada’s Toronto last week, prompting a manhunt for her alleged partner. Toronto Police have issued a warrant for the arrest of 32-year-old Abdul Ghafoori on charges of first-degree murder.
According to the Toronto Police Service, officers responded to a missing person call in the Strachan Avenue and Wellington Street West area at around 10.41 pm on Friday, December 19. Following an intensive search, police located the woman’s body inside a residence at around 6.30 am on Saturday, December 20.
Police confirmed that the death was classified as a homicide, after which the Homicide Unit took over the investigation. Authorities stated that the victim and the suspect were known to each other.
The deceased was identified as Himanshi Khurana, a Toronto resident. Police said they are actively searching for Abdul Ghafoori, also a resident of Toronto, in connection with the killing. An image of the suspect has been released, and the public has been urged to share any information regarding his whereabouts with the police.
Canadian media reports, citing investigators, suggested that the case is being treated as a suspected incident of intimate partner violence. A Toronto Police spokesperson told local broadcaster CP24 that the victim and the suspect were in an intimate relationship.
Images released by the police reportedly match photographs shared on social media profiles bearing the victim’s name, where she described herself as a Toronto-based digital creator.
Reacting to the incident, the Consulate General of India in Toronto expressed deep shock and sorrow over the killing. In a statement posted on X, the Consulate said it was “deeply saddened and shocked by the murder of Ms Himanshi Khurana, a young Indian national,” and extended heartfelt condolences to her family.
The Consulate added that it has been in close touch with local authorities and is extending all possible assistance to the bereaved family.