A 22-year-old youth from Telangana was shot dead by an assailant on Saturday, November 30, outside a petrol pump in Chicago in the US. The deceased, identified as Sai Teja Nukarapu, was hailing from Khammam district and working at the petrol pump. According to reports, the assailant opened fire after snatching money from him and fled the spot.
Sai Teja, who completed BBA, had moved to the US four months ago to pursue MS at Concordia University, Wisconsin. He was said to be doing a part-time job at a petrol pump for the last few days.
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar expressed condolences and said that the Indian Consulate was extending all possible assistance to the deceased's family. "We are shocked and deeply sad at the murder of Indian Student Nukarapu Sai Teja. We demand immediate action against the culprits. The Consulate will extend all possible help to the family and friends of the victim," the Indian Consulate in Chicago posted on X.
Member of Telangana Legislative Council and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader Madhusudan Thatha visited Sai Teja's parents N Koteshwar Rao and Vani at Raparthi Nagar in Khammam city at their residence and consoled them. He was the only son of the couple.
The BRS leader said Sai Teja was not on duty when the assailants attacked him but helping a friend who had gone out on some work.
The MLC told media persons that he spoke to the members of Telugu Association of North America (TANA) and sought their help in bringing the body home. The body is expected to reach India next week.
Locals approached Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy and requested him to help the family in bringing the mortal remains of Sai Teja from the US to India.
(With inputs from IANS)