A 28-year-old Indian national from Telangana was shot dead in Philadelphia, United States, after being allegedly lured to a vacant property through a fake pizza delivery order, prompting grief among family members and concern within the Indian community, as reported in Times of India.
The deceased, identified as Anshul Kuncha, had been living in the United States for nearly four years. According to his family, he was working for a multinational company and also delivered pizzas on weekends to supplement his income.
Speaking to the media, Anshul’s sister Tanvi Kuncha alleged that her brother had been deliberately targeted through a fake food order. She claimed that he had been sent to deliver pizzas to an abandoned location and that the order appeared to have been created solely to lure him there.
She stated that the family later learned there was no legitimate customer waiting at the location and described the incident as a trap. Tanvi said the family did not know the motive behind the attack or what the perpetrators intended to gain, but maintained that her brother had been deliberately targeted and killed.
In an emotional appeal, she urged parents to carefully consider the risks faced by young Indians living abroad. She said her brother had been a cheerful and caring person and claimed that he had initially been reluctant to move to the United States.
The family has also appealed to authorities to expedite the repatriation of Anshul’s body to India. Tanvi said officials had informed them that the body could be released on Monday but requested that the process be completed as quickly as possible so that the family could perform the final rites without delay.
She further called for a thorough investigation and justice for her brother, stating that the family did not have any specific suspicions regarding the attackers but wanted those responsible identified and punished.
Shooting Took Place During Delivery
According to Philadelphia police, the shooting occurred shortly after 12.30 a.m. EDT on Friday at the Raymond Rosen Homes housing complex on Edgley Street in North Philadelphia.
Chief Inspector Scott Small reportedly stated that Anshul had been dispatched to deliver an order consisting of three pizzas to a vacant apartment. Investigators believe he was shot in the back of the head after arriving at the location.
Responding officers found him critically injured and bleeding heavily. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 12.43 a.m.
Police recovered three spent shell casings from the scene, located only a short distance from where the victim was found, suggesting the shooter had been standing very close to him at the time of the attack.
Investigators reviewing surveillance footage reportedly observed two individuals dressed in dark clothing following Anshul after he exited his vehicle and proceeded towards the delivery location.
Authorities also found the pizza order inside the vacant apartment untouched. Police noted that none of Anshul’s belongings had been stolen, leading investigators to examine whether the attack may have been targeted rather than motivated by robbery.
According to family members, Anshul had previously been robbed while living in the United States, during which his phone, cash and chain were stolen. However, they said he had never before been subjected to a life-threatening attack.
Investigation Underway
Philadelphia police have announced a reward of $20,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
Investigators reportedly possess the phone number used to place the pizza order and are working to determine whether the caller had any direct connection to the shooting.
No arrests have been made so far, and the motive behind the killing remains under investigation.
Indian Consulate Extends Assistance
The Consulate General of India in New York expressed condolences over Anshul’s death and confirmed that it was coordinating with local authorities and assisting the family.
In a statement posted on social media, the Consulate said it was deeply saddened by the untimely death of the Indian national and conveyed its condolences to his family. It added that officials were in contact with the family and were extending all possible assistance.
The killing has sparked concern among members of the Telugu community in the United States as well as residents of Gundlapochampally in Telangana, where relatives, friends and local residents are mourning the loss of the young man.
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