Anshul Kuncha, a 28-year-old man from Telangana, India, was shot dead while delivering a pizza in Philadelphia, United States, in the early hours of June 5. According to local authorities, the pizza had been ordered to a house that was believed to be vacant. Anshul's family has alleged that he may have been lured into a trap, though investigators have not yet confirmed the circumstances surrounding the incident. Authorities are continuing to investigate the case and have announced a reward of $20,000 for information leading to an arrest.
According to police, the shooting occurred at the Raymond Rosen Homes housing complex on the 2300 block of Edgley Street. Anshul had reportedly delivered pizzas to a vacant apartment shortly before the incident. Investigators said Anshul was found with a gunshot wound to the head shortly after completing the delivery. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators did not capture the actual shooting. However, cameras reportedly showed two individuals wearing dark clothing following Anshul as he walked toward the apartment buildings. One of the individuals appeared to be carrying a dark backpack.
Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said officers found Anshul lying unresponsive in a courtyard. According to police, three spent shell casings were discovered only a few inches from where he was found, suggesting the shooters were standing very close to the victim when the shots were fired. Authorities said no arrests have been made so far. However, investigators have obtained the phone number used to place the pizza order that brought Anshul to the location.
Police also recovered Anshul's vehicle near the scene. A pizza warmer remained inside the vehicle, while three untouched pizza boxes and a delivery bag were found inside the vacant apartment. Investigators said the evidence indicates that Anshul successfully completed the delivery before he was shot outside.
Anshul had moved to the United States around four years ago and worked at a multinational corporation. Friends and family said he also delivered pizzas on weekends to earn additional income. A graduate of Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology (CBIT) in Hyderabad, he was remembered by friends as hardworking, ambitious, and friendly.
Several friends and former classmates have called for a thorough investigation and urged authorities to bring those responsible to justice. They have also appealed to Indian and US officials to help expedite the return of Anshul's remains to India. The investigation remains ongoing, and police have asked anyone with information about the case to come forward.
Source: Hindustan Times