A 28-year-old Indian national from Telangana was shot dead while delivering a pizza in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in an incident that has shocked the Indian community in the United States and prompted an ongoing police investigation.
The victim, identified as Anshul Kuncha, was reportedly working a part-time pizza delivery job alongside his professional career when he was fatally shot in North Philadelphia late Friday night. According to local media reports, Kuncha had arrived at a housing complex to deliver a pizza order when he was attacked.
Police rushed him to Temple University Hospital, where he was declared dead shortly after arrival.
Questions surround fatal delivery
According to the Hindustan Times, investigators believe the delivery may have been used to lure Kuncha to the location. According to reports, the pizza was ordered to a vacant residence inside the Raymond Rosen Homes housing complex.
Surveillance footage reportedly showed Kuncha carrying the pizza before being followed by two individuals dressed in dark clothing and carrying a backpack. Authorities are now examining video footage and other evidence to identify the suspects and determine the motive behind the attack.
The incident is being treated as a homicide, and police have launched a detailed investigation.
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Family alleges deliberate trap
According to the Hindustan Times, Kuncha's family has alleged that the killing was premeditated.
His sister, Tanvi, said the family was informed that he had been shot multiple times and left on the road. She described the incident as a trap designed to target her brother and called for justice.
The family has also appealed to Indian authorities for assistance in bringing his mortal remains back to India as quickly as possible.
The Indian Consulate General in New York expressed condolences following the incident and confirmed that it is in contact with the family while extending all possible assistance during the difficult period.
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We are deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Mr. Anshul Kuncha, an Indian national in Philadelphia, PA.
— India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) June 6, 2026
Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time. The Consulate is in touch with Anushuls family and is extending all possible assistance.
A young professional building a future
According to the Hindustan Times, originally from Telangana, Kuncha had moved to the United States to pursue a Master's degree in Business Analytics, which he completed in 2024.
According to his professional profile, he was employed as a Data Validation Analyst at a Pennsylvania-based company after completing his studies. Before moving abroad, he earned a Bachelor of Technology degree in Chemical Engineering from Hyderabad's Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology.
Friends and family said he worked part-time as a pizza delivery executive on weekends to supplement his income while establishing his career in the United States.
