‘They Took My Brother and Killed Him’: Indian Student Shot Dead During Pizza Delivery in Philadelphia

Anshul Kuncha, a 28-year-old Indian student and recent graduate in the United States, was shot dead while delivering a pizza in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in what investigators believe may have been a targeted attack. The incident occurred around midnight on Friday in North Philadelphia and has sparked grief among his family members and the Indian community.

Delivery Turns Fatal in Philadelphia

According to local media reports, the incident unfolded after a pizza order was placed to a vacant residence located in the Raymond Rosen Homes housing complex. Kuncha, who was working part-time as a pizza delivery executive, arrived at the address to complete the delivery.

Reports suggest that after dropping off the order and leaving the complex, he was attacked and shot. Police rushed him to Temple University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at around 1 am local time on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday.

A report by CBS News stated that the delivery driver was shot in the head after responding to the order. While the broadcaster did not initially identify the victim, several Indian media outlets later confirmed that the deceased was Anshul Kuncha.

Surveillance Footage Captures Suspects

Investigators are examining surveillance footage obtained from cameras operated by the Philadelphia Housing Authority. The video reportedly shows Kuncha carrying the pizza before two individuals dressed in dark clothing and carrying a backpack began following him.

Authorities believe the footage could play a crucial role in identifying the attackers. Police are continuing to gather additional evidence and search for more surveillance recordings from the area.

Indian Consulate Extends Support to Family

Reacting to the tragedy, the Indian Consulate General in New York expressed condolences and assured support to Kuncha's family.

"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.

Who Was Anshul Kuncha?

Originally from Hyderabad, Kuncha moved to the United States to pursue a Master's degree in Business Analytics and completed his studies in 2024. According to his LinkedIn profile, he was employed as a Data Validation Analyst at DataBank IMX in Pennsylvania.

Before moving abroad, he earned a Bachelor of Technology degree in Chemical Engineering from Hyderabad's Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology. Alongside his professional role in the US, he worked weekends as a pizza delivery driver to supplement his income.

Sister Alleges Planned Attack, Demands Justice

Kuncha's sister, Tanvi, has alleged that the incident was not random and described it as a deliberate setup.

"We were informed that he (Anshul) was shot in the head three times and left on the road," she said.

"It was a trap. It was to kill him. I don't know what they gained out of it or what intentions they had. They took my brother and killed him," she added.

Calling for swift action, Tanvi urged authorities to ensure justice and appealed to India's Ministry of External Affairs to facilitate the return of her brother's remains.

"We have been informed the body would be handed over on Monday. Just give us our brother back. That's all I want. And I do want justice. We don't have any suspicion...it's a decoy. As per US media reports, it seems there were two gunmen wearing black masks with backpacks," she said.

Police have not announced any arrests so far and continue their investigation as they work to identify and trace the suspects involved in the fatal shooting.