A 28-year-old Indian student from Telangana was shot dead while delivering a pizza in Philadelphia, United States, in a tragic incident that has shocked both Indian and overseas communities.
The victim, identified as Anshul Kuncha, had moved to the US for higher studies and was working part-time as a pizza delivery driver on weekends. His family has alleged that the attack was a premeditated trap and is demanding a thorough investigation and swift justice.
Fatal Shooting During Pizza Delivery
According to local media reports, the incident occurred around midnight in North Philadelphia when Anshul was delivering a pizza order to an address inside the Raymond Rosen Homes housing complex.
Investigators believe the delivery order may have been used to lure him to the location.
Police officials said Anshul was found with multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed to Temple University Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Authorities have launched a homicide investigation and are reviewing surveillance footage to identify the suspects involved.
Surveillance Footage Raises Questions
Reports indicate that surveillance cameras captured Anshul carrying the pizza order moments before the attack.
The footage reportedly shows two individuals dressed in dark clothing following him through the housing complex before the shooting occurred.
Investigators are examining the video and gathering additional evidence to determine the motive behind the crime.
Indian Consulate Expresses Condolences
The Consulate General of India in New York expressed deep sorrow over Anshul’s death and confirmed that officials are in contact with his family.
In a statement, the Consulate said it is extending all possible assistance and coordinating efforts to support the family during this difficult period.
Who Was Anshul Kuncha?
Anshul Kuncha hailed from Telangana and pursued a Bachelor of Technology degree in Chemical Engineering from Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology in Hyderabad.
He later moved to the United States to pursue a Master’s degree in Business Analytics and completed his studies in 2024.
According to professional records, he worked as a Data Validation Analyst in Pennsylvania while also taking up weekend pizza delivery shifts to supplement his income.
Friends and family described him as hardworking, ambitious and dedicated to building a successful future.
Family Alleges a Planned Attack
Anshul’s sister, Tanvi, claimed that the incident was not a random act of violence but a deliberate plot.
According to her, the family was informed that Anshul had been shot multiple times and left on the road.
Calling it a “trap,” she questioned the motive behind the killing and urged authorities to identify and punish those responsible.
The family has also appealed to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for assistance in bringing Anshul’s mortal remains back to India as quickly as possible.
Demand for Justice
The tragic incident has sparked concern among Indian students and professionals living abroad, particularly those working part-time jobs while pursuing education.
Family members say their immediate priority is to bring Anshul home and ensure a fair investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
“We just want our brother back and we want justice,” his sister said while appealing to authorities.
Investigation Underway
Philadelphia Police are continuing their investigation and are searching for additional surveillance footage that could help identify the suspects.
Authorities have not announced any arrests so far.
The case remains under active investigation, with law enforcement agencies working to establish the motive and sequence of events leading to the fatal shooting.
Anshul Kuncha’s death has once again highlighted the risks faced by delivery workers and international students, while prompting calls for stronger safety measures and swift justice in crimes involving foreign nationals.
