Published Jun 07, 2026 | 10:18 AM ⚊ Updated Jun 07, 2026 | 10:18 AM
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Synopsis: A 28-year-old MBA student from Telangana, Kuncha Anshul, was shot dead while delivering pizzas in Philadelphia on June 6. Police suspect he was lured to a vacant apartment by a fake order before being attacked at close range. Investigators are probing surveillance footage, with a $20,000 reward announced. His family seeks urgent repatriation of his remains.
A 28-year-old student from Telangana pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) in the United States was shot dead while delivering pizzas in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in what is being viewed as another tragic incident involving an Indian national in the country.
The victim, Kuncha Anshul, a native of Gundlapochampally mandal in Medchal-Malkajgiri district, was working as a pizza delivery driver while pursuing his studies. He was allegedly shot at close range shortly after completing a delivery during the intervening night of Friday and Saturday (June 5-6).
According to Philadelphia Police, the incident occurred shortly after 12.30 a.m. at the Raymond Rosen Homes complex on the 2300 block of Edgley Street in North Philadelphia. Officers responding to reports of gunfire found Anshul with a gunshot wound to the back of his head in the courtyard of the housing complex. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead minutes later.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim had been lured to a vacant apartment after receiving an order for three pizzas. Surveillance footage recovered by investigators reportedly shows two individuals dressed in dark clothing following the delivery driver after he arrived at the location and walked from his vehicle toward the apartment.
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Police recovered three spent shell casings from the crime scene. Investigators believe the assailant or assailants were standing extremely close to the victim when the shots were fired, based on the location of the shell casings found near the body.
Further investigation found the pizza order untouched inside the vacant apartment, strengthening suspicions that the delivery request may have been used to lure the victim to the location. Authorities are working with the pizza outlet involved and have obtained the phone number used to place the order. Investigators are examining whether the caller had any connection to the killing.
Police said it remains unclear whether robbery was a motive, and no arrests have been made so far. Investigators are continuing to analyse surveillance footage from the area to identify those responsible. The Philadelphia Police Department has announced a reward of $20,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the accused.
The incident has sent shockwaves through Anshul’s family and the Telugu community, with relatives and well-wishers seeking justice for the young student whose life was cut short while pursuing higher education in the United States.
Meanwhile, Anshul’s family has approached the Consulate General of India in New York and the Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), seeking urgent assistance for the repatriation of his mortal remains to Hyderabad.
Family members said they have submitted a representation requesting the Indian authorities to expedite the formalities required for handing over the body and arranging its transportation to India. They are currently awaiting the final police investigation report and the findings of the medical examiner.
In their appeal, Anshul’s father, K. Srinivas, sought consular support for obtaining the mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC) and other documentation required for repatriation. The family also requested liaison assistance with the Philadelphia Police Department as the homicide investigation progresses.
They urged the authorities to complete the official notification procedures and extend all possible support to the bereaved family at the earliest so that the mortal remains can be brought back to Telangana without delay.
