Daijiworld Media Network - Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Jun 7: A 28-year-old man from Telangana was shot dead in the United States while working part-time as a pizza delivery executive after responding to what is suspected to have been a fake delivery order in Philadelphia.
The victim, identified as Anshul Kuncha, had moved to the US nearly four years ago after completing his B.Tech in Hyderabad and later secured employment with a multinational company. To supplement his income, he reportedly worked part-time delivering pizzas on weekends.
According to family members, Anshul received a delivery request on Saturday night and travelled to a deserted location in Philadelphia. Upon arrival, an unidentified assailant allegedly opened fire, shooting him multiple times in the head before fleeing the scene.
Relatives said nothing was stolen from the victim, raising questions about the motive behind the killing. Reports cited by the family indicated that two masked individuals carrying backpacks were seen in the area around the time of the attack.
Anshul's sister alleged that the delivery request was a deliberate trap.
"He was asked to deliver pizza to an abandoned location. Later we learned there was no genuine customer and that it was a decoy intended to kill him," she said while seeking justice for her brother.
The family also appealed to authorities to expedite the repatriation of his mortal remains to India so that final rites can be conducted without delay.
According to relatives, Anshul had previously been robbed in the US, losing his mobile phone, cash and chain, but had never faced such a violent attack.
The Consulate General of India in New York expressed condolences and said it was in contact with local authorities and the bereaved family.
"We are deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Mr. Anshul Kuncha in Philadelphia. The Consulate is extending all possible assistance to the family," it said in a statement.
The incident has triggered concern among members of the Telugu community in the United States and Telangana, particularly in Anshul's native area of Gundlapochampally, where relatives and friends are mourning his death.
Police in Philadelphia are investigating the case and have launched efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the shooting.