Indian woman found murdered in Canada. What we know of the case

A 30-year-old Indian-origin woman has been murdered in Toronto with the Canadian Police issuing a nationwide arrest warrant against a suspect they say knew the victim. Police believe it to be an act of intimate partner violence.

The police are on the lookout to arrest 32-year-old Abdul Ghafoori, wanted on the charge of first-degree murder of Himanshi Khurana, 30.

Expressing shock over the incident, the Consulate General of India in Toronto said it was providing all possible help to the bereaved family.

Here is what we know so far about the crime.

• Himanshi Khurana, 30, was found murdered in Toronto on late Friday (December 19).

• Toronto Police received a call for a report of a missing person in the Strachan Avenue and Wellington Street West area approximately 10:41 pm.

• Following the investigation, which continued overnight, officers located the missing female deceased inside the residence on Saturday (December 20) at 6:30 am.

• According to the police, the death was deemed a homicide. The police’s Homicide Unit has assumed charge of the investigation.

• Following this, a nationwide warrant was issued for 32-year-old Abdul Ghafoori. “We have released an image of the suspect, and that is out there, and we’re appealing to the public; if anybody would happen to know where this man is, please call the police,” said a police spokesperson.

• Ghafoori has been charged with first-degree murder, which can attract a life sentence without parole if the prosecution is successful in proving premeditation and intent.

• According to CBC News, the suspect and the victim were in an intimate partner relationship.

• The Indian Consulate in Toronto has expressed deep shock over the murder.

• They have been in close touch with the matter over the past few days and added that all possible assistance is being extended to the family in close coordination with local authorities as the investigation continues.

With inputs from agencies