07 June,2026 07:00 PM IST | Hyderabad | mid-day online correspondent
Anshul Kuncha`s family members said nothing was stolen from him, raising questions about the motive behind the killing.
A 28-year-old man from Telangana was shot dead in the United States (US) while delivering a pizza order that his family believes was a trap, according to information received from local authorities and relatives.
The victim, identified as Anshul Kuncha, was killed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, during the intervening night of Friday and Saturday, news agency IANS reported.
A native of Gundlapochampally in Telangana's Medchal-Malkajgiri district, Anshul had moved to the US in 2023 to pursue a Master's in Business Administration. He was employed with a multinational company and also worked part-time as a pizza delivery executive on weekends to supplement his income.
According to information shared with the family, Anshul had received a delivery request to a deserted location shortly after midnight. When he arrived at the spot, two unidentified assailants allegedly opened fire at close range, shooting him multiple times in the head before fleeing. He died on the spot.
Family members said nothing was stolen from the victim, raising questions about the motive behind the killing. Reports cited by the family indicated that two masked men carrying backpacks were seen in the area around the time of the attack.
The family has alleged that the delivery order was deliberately placed to lure Anshul to the location.
"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," Anshul's sister Tanvi said.
The family also revealed that Anshul had earlier been a victim of robbery in the US, during which his chain, mobile phone, and cash were stolen.
Anshul's relatives have appealed to both the Centre and the Telangana government to assist in bringing his mortal remains back to India.
According to the family, US authorities are expected to hand over the body on Monday. They have requested that the repatriation process be expedited.
The Consulate General of India in New York said it was in touch with local authorities and the bereaved 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.
(With IANS inputs)
