Hyderabad, 7 June

A 28-year-old man from Hyderabad was allegedly shot dead in the United States while delivering pizzas, his family members said here.

The incident occurred in Philadelphia, US, on the intervening night of 5 and 6 June, according to information received by his family in Gundlapochampally near here.

The Consulate General of India in New York in a post on 'X' late on Saturday night, said: "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 Anushul’s family and is extending all possible assistance."

Anshul Kuncha worked in an MNC in North Philadelphia, US, and he was doing pizza deliveries on weekends for an extra source of income, Tanvi, the sister of the deceased, told mediapersons.

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

Nothing was stolen from him, she said, adding that he was told to deliver pizza in an abandoned area, and they later learned it was a "decoy".

"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 said.

She sought justice and appealed to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to bring back the mortal remains of her brother at the earliest.

"We have been informed that 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 two gunmen were wearing black masks with backpacks," she further said.

Anshul left for the US about four years ago for studies.

Earlier, he was robbed by a few men who took his chain, phone and cash, Tanvi said.

She recalled her brother was a very loving and joyful person.

"He didn't want to go to the US, but we sent him...and (now) look what he ended up in.

This is a message to all the parents who are sending their children to the US. Do not send your kids to the US," she said.