A 28-year-old Indian man from Telangana was shot dead in Philadelphia after being lured to a vacant property with a fake pizza delivery order, his family has alleged, with his sister calling it a “trap” meant solely to kill him and urging parents not to send their children to the United States.“It was a trap, meant solely to kill him,” Anshul Kuncha’s sister, Tanvi, told the media. “He was told to deliver pizza in an abandoned area, but we later learned it was a decoy. There was no one there. We do not know what they gained or what their intentions were. They took my brother and killed him.”In an emotional appeal, Tanvi urged parents to reconsider sending their children abroad. “My brother was a very loving and joyful person. He had no real reason to go to the US, but we sent him anyway. He didn’t want to go either, but he did, and look where it got him. Do not send your children to the US,” she said.She also appealed for the swift return of her brother’s body to India. “My brother had been in the US for nearly four years. We came to know that he was trapped through a fake pizza delivery request and was shot dead. Our only request is that his body be brought back to India as early as possible,” she said.Tanvi said officials had informed the family that the body could be handed over on Monday, but urged authorities to expedite the process so the family could perform the final rites without delay. She also sought justice for her brother, saying the family has no specific suspicions but wants those responsible identified and punished.
The shooting
Anshul Kuncha, 28, was employed with a multinational company and worked pizza delivery on weekends for extra income. The shooting took place just after 12.30 am EDT on Friday at the Raymond Rosen Homes housing complex on Edgley Street in North Philadelphia.According to Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small, Kuncha was lured to a vacant apartment to deliver an order of three pizzas. He was shot in the back of the head. Officers found him bleeding heavily and unresponsive. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead at about 12.43 am EDT.Three spent shell casings were recovered just inches away from where the victim was found, indicating the shooter was standing very close to him. Police said surveillance video shows two people in dark clothing following the driver as he walked from his vehicle. The food order was found inside the vacant apartment, untouched. Nothing was stolen from Kuncha, raising questions about the motive.According to Anshul’s family, he had previously been the victim of a robbery in the US, during which his chain, phone and cash were stolen, but he had never faced a life-threatening attack before.A $20,000 reward is being offered for any information that leads to an arrest and conviction. No arrests have been made, but investigators have the phone number from the caller who made the order and are working to determine if the person who called was connected to the incident.
Consulate response
The Consulate General of India in New York acknowledged the incident and stated it is in touch with local authorities and the bereaved family.“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,” it said in a post on X.The tragic killing has sparked concern among the Telugu community in the United States and in Telangana, where relatives, friends, and residents of Gundlapochampally are mourning the loss of the young man.
