Family of Indian engineer killed in US 'hate crime' in shock


Hyderabad, Feb 24 (PTI): A pall of gloom descended on the residence of engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla at Bachupally here today when his parents and family learnt about his death after an American navy veteran yelling "terrorist" and "get out of my country" opened fire on him in the US.

Srinivas Kuchibhotla (32), working at GPS-maker Garmin headquarters in Olathe, died of bullet injuries in hospital while his Indian colleague Alok Madasani was critically injured when the 51-year-old shooter, Adam Purinton, started hurling racial slurs following an altercation on Wednesday night in the US.

Some cousins of Srinivas, who met and consoled his parents and other family members told reporters that after completing his B Tech from the city, Srinivas left for the US in 2005 for M Tech.

"Four years back he got married. He was highly appreciated by his managers at his workplace. In 2014, he shifted to Garmin company.

"We have been told the shooting is due to hate crime. Srinivas was a very good person... we miss him," an inconsolable Krishnamohan (cousin) said.

"This is a hatred kind of murder (hate crime attack). We normally won't answer when such people shout. I have myself worked in the US and I know it. I think my cousin also might have not answered back to him. Probably, after (US President Donald) Trump we are seeing this... we feel racist attacks have increased. Previously this was not the scene. There were incidents once in a while, now it has become very frequent. It happened in our house this time. It's very sad," Venu Madhav, another cousin, said.

However, they thanked External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj for immediate response in the matter by sending two officials for completing the formalities.
"Srinivas's brother stays in Dallas. I co-ordinated with my friends and asked them to help them out. Till now the body has not been given to us and we are expecting the body to be handed over by tonight," he said.

"Sushma Swaraj spoke to our family members and has extended support. Recently one youth (M Vamshi Reddy) from Warangal, was also shot dead in US (California). Such incidents should not be repeated," they said.

Meanwhile, Alok's father Jaganmohan Reddy, who stays in Chaitanyapuri area here said his elder son who also stays in the US called him this morning and informed him about the shooting incident and that his younger son (Alok), who was injured in the incident has been admitted to a hospital.

"I have spoken to Alok... he is doing fine... I am planning to go to the US and meet him," Jaganmohan told PTI.

Besides Srinivas and Alok, a third person, an American identified as Ian Grillot (24), who tried to intervene also received injuries in the firing in Austins Bar and Grill in Olath.

"As per the information I have got, Srinivas, Alok and the American man (Ian Grillot) were in the restaurant. The moment the attacker saw Srinivas and Alok he started shouting on them and asked them to leave the country," Jaganmohan, whose son Alok has been working in the US since 2006, said.

"Neither Srinivas nor Alok argued with him. But he continued shouting and within minutes came out with a gun and fired a round at Srinivas while my son was near the food counter.

"After hearing the bullet shots he ran out but one bullet after hitting the wall hit my son in his thighs. My son escaped... saved his life. The American was also shot by the attacker... unfortunately Srinivas died in the shooting," Jaganmohan added.

 

  

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Comment on this article

  • Evans Christopher Sumitra, Udupi/ New York, USA.

    Fri, Feb 24 2017

    A very sad end of a young man who was shot dead by a racially motivated American. May his soul rest in eternal peace and deepest sympathies to his family members and all loved ones. I am sure Sushma Swaraj as always will help the bereaved families in every way.

    DisAgree Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • HENRY MISQUITH, Suratkal/ M'lore/Bahrain

    Fri, Feb 24 2017

    Sad incident. Shame on those saffron chaddis who were supported Donald Trump.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • The Guru, Mangalore

    Fri, Feb 24 2017

    This is nothing but Terrorism, America is in killing spree all over the world..

    Note: If one person kills another person of different Religion by using a gun then In Asia including west calls it has terrorist attack, but in America they call Hate Crime. hahaha

    White Terrorism

    DisAgree [7] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rita, Germany

    Fri, Feb 24 2017

    what a terrific and sad act.There are some peeople all over the world ,mostly the veterans in America ,all of a sudden get wirred and shoot people or go out of mind and self suecide.It is due to their bad experience during war in other countrys,they themselves had experience of seeing people die ,and their life is in danger etc.Thank Madam Sushmaji,they got immediate help and consultation .Heartfelt sympathy to the family.May his soul rest in peace.The deceased one was at the wrong place and wrong time.It is may be the present presidents theory might have had some effect on this guy.Hope he gets a hard punishment.

    DisAgree Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • sri, Karkala

    Fri, Feb 24 2017

    US federal court should order killing of the attacker in the same way. Then only we can say America is great..

    DisAgree [16] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • H.DSOUZA, KODAGU / MANGALURU

    Fri, Feb 24 2017

    My friend, We can only sympathize to the family & RIP SRINIVAS.

    DisAgree Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Shashi Kiran, Mangalore

    Sat, Feb 25 2017

    Why all these people want to stay there why not come back and work here in India now in India it is ache din.

    DisAgree Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rita, Germany

    Sun, Feb 26 2017

    @Shashikiran Mangalore.Shashi, that we cant say or do,as you say why,it is everything in Gods hands ,HE alone defines our goal.we go and do as he leads our way.One wants to come forward,One wants to stay in his favourite surroundings.Even one can die when in own country just by some accident or someone kills,or by a simple disease wrong therapy.It is simply in our head written.

    DisAgree Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Fri, Feb 24 2017

    We can offer only our sympathies ...

    DisAgree Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse


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