Hyderabad man shot dead in Philadelphia, US while delivering pizza, family says it was a trap

A 28-year-old man from Hyderabad, Telangana was allegedly shot dead in the United States while delivering pizzas, his family members said. He was identified as Anshul Kuncha.

The incident took place in Philadelphia on the night of June 5-6, according to information received by his family in Gundlapochampally, news agency PTI reported.

The Consulate General of India in New York confirmed the incident in a post on “X” on Saturday and expressed grief over the death of Anshul Kuncha.

“We are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Mr. Anshul Kunch, an Indian national in Philadelphia, PA. Our thoughts and sincere condolences to his family at this difficult time. The Consulate is in contact with Anushul’s family and is providing all possible assistance,” the statement said.

Who was Anshul Kuncha?

Anshul Kuncha, worked at a multinational company in North Philadelphia, US and used to deliver pizzas on weekends to earn extra income, Tanvi, sister of the deceased, was quoted as saying by PTI.

Anshul went to the US about four years ago for his studies.

She recalled that her brother was a very loving and joyful person. “He didn’t want to go to the US but we sent him…and (now) look what he ended up in. This is a message to all parents who send their children to the US. Don’t send your children to the US,” she said.

What exactly happened to him?

“We were informed that he (Anshul) was shot three times in the head and left on the road,” his sister said.

She said nothing was stolen from him. He was told to deliver a pizza in a deserted area and later found out it was a “bait,” she added.

“It was a trap. It was to kill him. I don’t know what they got out of it or what their intentions were. They took my brother and killed him,” she claimed, according to PTI.

She demanded justice and appealed to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to bring her brother’s remains as soon as possible.

“We were informed that the body will be handed over on Monday. Just give us back our brother. That’s all I want. And I want justice. We have no suspicions…it’s a decoy. According to US media reports, it looks like there were two gunmen in black masks with backpacks,” she said further.

Earlier, he was robbed by several men who took his chain, phone and cash, Tanvi said.