A 27-year-old student from Hyderabad, Pole Chandrashekar, was fatally shot while working at a gas station in Denton, Texas, on Friday night. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community and prompted calls for support and assistance for the victim's family.

Chandrashekar, a resident of L.B. Nagar in Hyderabad, had moved to the United States in 2023 to pursue higher education after completing his Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) in Hyderabad. He was enrolled in a Master's program in Data Analytics at the University of North Texas, Dallas. To support himself while studying, he worked part-time at a gas station.

According to reports, the shooting occurred during a robbery at the gas station. An unidentified assailant opened fire, fatally wounding Chandrashekar. Details regarding the motive and suspects are currently unclear, and local authorities are investigating the incident.

The Consulate General of India in Houston is in contact with Chandrashekar's family and is following up with local authorities regarding the investigation. The family has appealed to the Indian government for assistance in repatriating Chandrashekar's body to Hyderabad. They expressed their grief and requested information about the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Chandrashekar had completed his Master's degree six months prior and was seeking full-time employment.

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed his condolences to the family and assured them of the government's support in bringing Chandrashekar's remains back to Hyderabad. Former Minister and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLA T. Harish Rao also visited the family to offer condolences and urged the government to expedite the repatriation process.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of Indian students and expatriates in the United States. Data from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) indicates that at least 842 Indian students have died overseas between 2018 and 2024, with the U.S. accounting for the highest number of deaths. While most of these deaths were due to medical reasons, suicides, or accidents, Chandrashekar's death highlights the risk of violence faced by Indian students abroad.

Chandrashekar's death has caused deep grief and shock within his family and the wider community. Family, friends, and community members are mourning his passing and seeking justice.