Dallas/Hyderabad — A 27-year-old Indian student from Hyderabad has been shot dead in Dallas, Texas, while working at a gas station on Friday night, in what authorities are treating as a homicide. The victim, Chandrashekar Pole, had moved to the United States in 2023 to pursue higher studies after completing his bachelor’s degree in dental surgery in Hyderabad.
Pole had recently finished his master’s degree in dental surgery in the U.S. six months ago and was seeking full-time employment while working part-time at the gas station. According to local media reports, an unidentified gunman opened fire at the station, fatally injuring Pole. Details about the suspect and the motive remain unclear as investigations continue.
The tragic news has sent shockwaves through Pole’s family and community back home. His family has appealed to the Indian government to assist in bringing his body back to Hyderabad for the last rites. Telangana leaders, including BRS MLA Sudhir Reddy and former minister T. Harish Rao, visited the family on Saturday to offer condolences and support.
Rao described the killing as “heart-wrenching,” emphasizing the pain of the family who had hoped to see their son achieve great success. “We, on behalf of BRS, demand that the state government take initiative and make efforts to bring Chandra Shekhar’s mortal remains to his hometown as quickly as possible,” he said in a statement.
The incident adds to a troubling pattern of attacks targeting members of the Indian diaspora in the United States in recent years. Diplomatic officials are expected to coordinate with U.S. authorities and the family to expedite the repatriation process.