A 23-year-old Indian-origin woman is battling for life after she was stabbed near the York University campus in Toronto, Canada, late on Wednesday night, prompting external affairs minister S Jaishankar to ask officials to arrange visas for her family.

Citing a report in Toronto's local news portal CTV News, a relative of the woman took to Twitter and requested Jaishankar for help, adding that the woman's parents were from Tamil Nadu's Coonoor.

Jaishankar tweeted that he was deeply shocked to learn about the incident and have out a number for the family members of the woman to contact the MEA.

Deeply shocked to learn of the serious attack on Rachel Albert, an Indian student in Toronto, Canada. Am asking MEA officials to help with her family’s visa. Family members may immediately contact us on +91 9873983884. https://t.co/wPno3V5aTv — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 24, 2020

Investigation revealed that the woman, Rachel Albert, was walking along a pathway near the university campus when she was attacked, knocked to the ground, and dragged by the assailant.

The suspect was described as a 20-something Asian man with black hair, wearing "stylish" sunglasses and a puffy black jacket. A Toronto police constable was quoted by CTV News advising that the attacker was in possession of a knife, urging people to avoid the area.

The woman, a student, sustained wounds on her neck due to the stabbing, and underwent surgery. She continues to be in a critical condition.