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Ex-Rye student slayed in parking lot murder

A Ryerson student was murdered when he was deliberately hit by a car, and now police are on a countrywide manhunt for the driver.

Toronto Police Services responded to an incident at 1641 Pharmacy Ave. in the east end of Toronto at around 3 a.m. on March 13. The victim, found dead at the scene according to police, was identified as Nanthi Eashan Dharmaratnam, a 25-year-old continuing education student at Ryerson.

“It soon came to light information supporting the belief that Nanthi Eashan was deliberately struck, and as such, homicide was notified,” said Detective Sergeant Frank Skubic.

A pathology report showed Dharmaratnam died of blunt force injuries to his head and torso, said Skubic. Dharmaratnam was found with a Ryerson student identification card, said Skubic. Seran Kasilingam, 28 – also known as Kuttishawn – has been charged with second-degree murder. A nationwide warrant for his arrest was issued on Monday, and police are encouraging anyone with tips to come forward.

Heather Lane Vetere, vice provost students at Ryerson, said that Dharmaratnam last enrolled classes at Ryerson in Fall 2009.

“He was taking a few classes,” said Vetere, who noted he was not enrolled in classes this semester.

She said that he had not completed a degree or certificate from Ryerson, but she believes he was probably working towards one.

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