Anshul Kuncha was pursuing an MBA in the US.
NEW DELHI: A 28-year-old Indian national from Telangana was fatally shot in North Philadelphia shortly after delivering pizzas to a vacant apartment in what authorities believe may have been a deliberate setup. The victim has been identified as Anshul Kuncha, who was pursuing an MBA in the United States and working part-time as a delivery driver.
Incident Details
The shooting occurred shortly after 12:30 am on June 6 (intervening night of Friday and Saturday) at the Raymond Rosen Homes housing complex on the 2300 block of Edgley Street in North Philadelphia. Philadelphia police officers, responding to reports of gunfire along with Philadelphia Housing Authority personnel, found Kuncha lying unresponsive in a courtyard with a gunshot wound to the head. He was rushed to Temple University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Police recovered three spent shell casings just inches from the body, indicating that the shooter or shooters stood very close to the victim. Chief Inspector Scott Small of the Philadelphia Police Department noted, “He was lying on the ground unresponsive, bleeding heavily with a gunshot wound to his head.” Three pizza boxes and a delivery bag were found inside the vacant apartment, appearing untouched.
Delivery and Suspected Setup
Kuncha, employed part-time with Pete’s Pizza, had been assigned the delivery. Investigators determined the order was placed for a vacant unit. Surveillance footage from the Philadelphia Housing Authority captured two individuals in dark clothing following the victim after he arrived at the complex. One appeared to be carrying a dark backpack. The actual shooting was not recorded on camera.
Police are actively tracing the phone number used to place the order and reviewing additional footage. No arrests have been made so far. The department has announced a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. The motive remains under investigation, with no signs of robbery reported.
Victim’s Background
Anshul Kuncha hailed from Gundlapochampally in Medchal-Malkajgiri district, Telangana. He had moved to the United States four years ago to pursue his MBA. In addition to his studies and a job as a Data Validation Analyst at DataBank IMX in Pennsylvania, he took up weekend part-time work as a pizza delivery executive. His family noted that he had previously been a victim of a robbery in the US.
Kuncha’s family believes the order was a premeditated trap to lure him to an isolated location. His sister Tanvi expressed that the delivery was sent to a deserted area with no actual customer present. The family has appealed to the Telangana state government, the Central government, and Indian authorities for assistance in repatriating his mortal remains.
The family has approached the Ministry of External Affairs and sought necessary documents, including a No Objection Certificate, while coordinating with Philadelphia police as the investigation continues. They are awaiting the completion of formal procedures and the release of the body.
Consulate Response
The Consulate General of India in New York confirmed the incident and extended support. In a statement on X, the Consulate 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 Anshul’s family and is extending all possible assistance.”
The incident has sent shockwaves through the Telugu community in the region. The investigation is ongoing, with police pursuing leads from the phone number and surveillance evidence.
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