Hyderabad man killed in Philadelphia during fake pizza delivery
A 28-year-old man from Hyderabad, Anshul Kuncha, was shot and killed in Philadelphia while delivering a pizza to a vacant apartment. The incident, suspected to be a setup, occurred late at night, and the victim's family is seeking the repatriation of his body. The Consulate General of India in New York is providing assistance.
Key Highlights
- Anshul Kuncha, a Hyderabad native, was shot dead in Philadelphia.
- The incident occurred during a late-night pizza delivery to a vacant property.
- Family members suspect the delivery was a 'trap' to lure and kill him.
- The victim was employed full-time and delivered pizzas part-time for extra income.
- The Consulate General of India in New York is assisting the family.
A 28-year-old man from Hyderabad, Anshul Kuncha, was fatally shot in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, while on a late-night pizza delivery to a vacant apartment. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, June 5, 2026, has been described by the victim's family as a deliberate 'trap' intended to cause his death. Kuncha, who had been living in the US for nearly four years after moving to pursue higher education, was employed full-time at a multinational company and worked part-time as a pizza delivery executive to supplement his income.
According to reports and statements from the family, Kuncha received a delivery order to a deserted location past midnight. Upon arrival, he was ambushed by two unidentified men who opened fire, shooting him multiple times in the head before fleeing the scene. He died at the location. Notably, nothing was stolen from the victim, which has raised questions about the motive behind the killing. Surveillance footage reportedly showed Kuncha being followed by two individuals shortly before the shooting. His family alleges that the pizza order was a decoy, luring him to the abandoned area to be killed.
Anshul Kuncha's sister, Tanvi, expressed the family's grief and their urgent request for the repatriation of his body to India for last rites. The family has appealed to both the Central and State governments in India for assistance in bringing his remains home. They also called for justice, seeking the identification and punishment of those responsible for his death.
The Consulate General of India in New York has acknowledged the incident, stating that it is in touch with local authorities and the bereaved family, and is extending all possible assistance. In a post on X, the Consulate expressed its deep sadness over the untimely demise of Mr. Anshul Kuncha, an Indian national in Philadelphia, and conveyed heartfelt condolences to his family.
This tragic incident is part of a concerning trend of violence against Indian nationals in the United States. Several other incidents involving Indian students and professionals have been reported in recent years, highlighting safety concerns for the Indian diaspora. The Philadelphia police department has launched an investigation into the shooting, reviewing surveillance footage and tracing the phone number used to place the fraudulent order. As of now, no arrests have been made, and authorities are actively seeking leads.
The news has been reported by various Indian and international media outlets, including Telangana Today, Deccan Chronicle, The Times of India, NDTV, Daily Pioneer, The Indian Express, The Hindu, and The Star, among others. The publication date of the Telangana Today article, which initially reported on the incident, appears to be June 6, 2026, with other reports surfacing on June 7, 2026, as more details emerged and the victim was identified. The incident has caused shock and grief in Kuncha's hometown in Hyderabad, Telangana, and among the Indian diaspora in the US. The authorities are working to expedite the process of handing over the body, which is expected on Monday, June 8, 2026, to facilitate the swift completion of the last rites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the victim?
The victim was Anshul Kuncha, a 28-year-old man from Hyderabad, India.
Where and when did the incident occur?
The incident occurred in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, in the early hours of Friday, June 5, 2026.
What were the suspected circumstances of the death?
Anshul Kuncha was shot and killed while delivering a pizza to a vacant apartment. His family suspects it was a 'trap' or a setup, as nothing was stolen from him, and the order was for an abandoned location.