Indian Student from Hyderabad Shot Dead During Night Shift

In a heartbreaking incident that has sent shockwaves through the Indian community in the United States and abroad, a 27-year-old Indian student was fatally shot in Denton, Texas, late on Friday night, October 3. The victim has been identified as Chandrashekar Pole, a native of Hyderabad, who had moved to the US in 2023 to pursue higher studies.

Indian Student: The Tragic Night in Denton

The fatal shooting occurred at a local gas station where Pole was working an overnight shift to support himself while searching for full-time employment. Police reports confirm that unidentified gunmen entered the station and shot him during what appears to have been a robbery or targeted assault. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

While some initial confusion linked the crime to Dallas or Fort Worth, authorities have clarified that the incident took place in Denton, Texas. As of October 4, no arrests have been made. The Denton police have launched a full homicide investigation, though the motive remains unclear.

Who Was Chandrashekar Pole?

Born on April 4, 1997, in L.B. Nagar, Hyderabad, Pole was remembered by friends and family as a diligent, humble, and ambitious young man. Before moving to the US, he earned a Bachelor’s in Dental Surgery (BDS) in Hyderabad. In 2023, he enrolled at the University of North Texas (UNT) in Dallas, where he completed his Master’s degree in Data Analytics just six months ago.

His journey, however, was not without hardship. His father had passed away four years earlier, leaving his mother as his primary emotional anchor. Loved ones now describe her as devastated and inconsolable after receiving the news of her only son’s death.

Indian Student: Family’s Appeal for Justice

In Hyderabad, Pole’s grieving family has urged the Indian government to intervene quickly to repatriate his body and ensure a fair, transparent investigation. “He went to America with big dreams, but he is returning home lifeless,” a relative said in tears.

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy extended condolences to the bereaved family. Former state minister T. Harish Rao also visited their Hyderabad residence on October 4, offering support and demanding swift justice. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed it is in touch with US officials and is assisting with the necessary formalities.

Growing Concerns Over Safety of Indians in the US

This tragic killing comes on the heels of another brutal incident in Dallas just weeks earlier, where 50-year-old Indian-origin motel manager Chandra Mouli Nagamallaiah was beheaded in front of his family. The back-to-back tragedies have raised fresh concerns over the safety of Indian immigrants and international students in the US, particularly those working late-night shifts at vulnerable establishments.

For the Indian diaspora, Pole’s death is not just a personal loss to his family but also a painful reminder of the risks faced by young students and workers striving to build a better future abroad.

The Investigation Ahead

Denton police have confirmed that the case is being treated as a homicide. While unverified social media reports speculate on the background of the suspect, officials have not released any details about possible leads. This marks the fourth homicide investigated in the region on October 3, highlighting a particularly violent day in North Texas.

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