Telangana Youth Fatally Shot After Suspected Fake Pizza Order

HYDERABAD – A 28-year-old man from Telangana was shot dead in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, while delivering pizza after receiving what his family believes was a fake order.

Anshul Kuncha, a native of Gundlapochampally in Telangana’s Medchal Malkajgiri district, was killed on the intervening night of June 5 and June 6, according to information received by his family.

Anshul, who had gone to the United States in 2023 to pursue a Master’s in Business Administration, was employed with a multinational company and also worked part-time as a pizza delivery driver on weekends.

According to information shared with the family, Anshul received a delivery order to a deserted location shortly after midnight. When he arrived, two unidentified men allegedly opened fire, shooting him multiple times at close range before fleeing. He died at the scene.

Nothing was reported stolen from the victim, raising questions about the motive behind the killing. Reports cited by the family said two masked gunmen carrying backpacks were seen in the area around the time of the attack.

Anshul’s family alleged that the pizza delivery request was a trap.

“He was told to deliver pizza in an abandoned area, but we later learned it was a decoy. There was no one there; it was a trap, meant solely to kill him. We do not know what they gained or what their intentions were. They took my brother and killed him,” said Anshul’s sister, Tanvi Kuncha.

The family said Anshul had previously been the victim of a robbery in the United States, during which his chain, phone, and cash were stolen.

The family has appealed to the Central and Telangana governments for assistance in bringing his body back to India. US authorities are expected to release the body on June 8, and the family has requested that the repatriation process be expedited.

The Consulate General of India in New York said it was in touch with local authorities and Anshul’s family and was extending all possible assistance.

“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,” the Consulate said in a post on X. (IANS)