"he was lured to a deserted and abandoned area"
An Indian man was shot dead in Philadelphia while delivering pizza in an alleged trap.
Local authorities said the order was placed to a house that was supposed to be vacant, while the victim’s family claimed he was lured into a trap.
Anshul Kuncha, originally from Telangana, moved to the United States in 2022 after getting an employment opportunity.
According to his family, he worked at a multinational corporation, but also worked as a pizza delivery driver on weekends to earn extra money.
His sister Tanvi said: “He worked during the weekends delivering pizza to earn some extra cash. He did not even want to go to the US. He went only due to the family’s expectations.”
Investigators found the pizza order had been placed to a vacant housing unit in the early hours of June 5.
Philadelphia Housing Authority cameras showed Kuncha walking with the delivery order, while being followed by two people wearing dark clothing and backpacks.
Tanvi said: “As per US media reports, at least two persons wearing masks and backpacks ambushed him. One person shot him several times in the head.
“It was a setup as he was lured to a deserted and abandoned area to deliver the pizza.
“It was a fake order, and he walked into their trap. They did not rob him, but just shot him in the head and left him on the street to die. We do not know of any reason or what they gained by killing him.”
She also said Anshul had previously been a victim of theft in the US, during which he lost his gold chain, phone and wallet.
The incident took place shortly after 12:30 am. A passerby alerted police, who found him dead at the scene.
Family members described him as a “loving and joyful” person.
The family has appealed to the Indian consulate to help repatriate his body to India as soon as possible.
Tanvi added: “Our only request is that his body be brought back to India as early as possible.”
A statement posted on the X account of the Consulate General of India in New York said:
“We are deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Mr Anshul Kuncha, an Indian national in Philadelphia, PA.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time. The Consulate is in touch with Anshul’s family and is extending all possible assistance.”
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