Indian Man Fatally Stabs Fellow Indian Passenger In Austin Bus Attack

Photo: Austin PD

India-West News Desk

AUSTIN, TX- The Indian American community is reeling after the fatal stabbing of 30-year-old Akshay Gupta aboard a CapMetro bus. The suspect, 31-year-old Deepak Kandel, has been charged with murder after allegedly admitting he attacked Gupta because he resembled his uncle.

The unprovoked assault occurred around 6:45 p.m. on May 14 in the 500 block of South Lamar Boulevard. Emergency responders found Gupta critically injured; he was pronounced dead at 7:30 p.m.

Investigators quickly identified Kandel as the attacker. Surveillance footage obtained by KXAN shows Gupta sitting calmly before Kandel suddenly pulled out a “butcher-style knife” and stabbed him in the neck without warning. After the bus came to a stop, Kandel walked off. Austin police officers located and apprehended him shortly afterward. During questioning, Kandel reportedly confessed to the attack and cited his disturbing motive once again.

Kandel was booked into the Travis County Jail and charged with first-degree murder. According to court documents reviewed by CBS Austin, Kandel has a lengthy arrest record, including serious charges that were previously dropped by prosecutors. KXAN reports he is homeless and has accumulated numerous misdemeanor offenses since 2016.

Authorities urge anyone with relevant information to contact the Austin Police Department at 512-974-TIPS. For lost items, CapMetro customer service can be reached at 512-474-1200. Anonymous tips may be submitted to Capital Area Crime Stoppers, with eligibility for a reward of up to $1,000.