Police investigate suspected set-up as Hyderabad family seeks justice and repatriation of victim’s remains
A $20,000 reward has been announced by police in Philadelphia as investigators continue to search for those responsible for the fatal shooting of a 28-year-old Indian national who was killed while delivering pizzas in the city.
Anshul Kuncha, originally from Hyderabad, India, was shot in the early hours of Friday, 5 June, after completing a pizza delivery to a vacant property in North Philadelphia. According to authorities, the incident occurred at the Raymond Rosen Homes complex on Edgley Street shortly after 12.30 a.m.
Police said Kuncha was found with a gunshot wound to the head and was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Investigators believe he may have been deliberately lured to the location through an order for three pizzas placed to an unoccupied apartment.
Surveillance footage from cameras operated by the Philadelphia Housing Authority reportedly shows Kuncha carrying pizza boxes while being followed by two individuals dressed in dark clothing. Although the shooting itself was not captured, police say the footage forms a key part of the investigation.
Chief Inspector Scott Small said evidence recovered at the scene suggests the gunman was standing very close to the victim when the shots were fired. Three spent shell casings were found only inches from where Kuncha was discovered
Police have not yet made any arrests but confirmed they are examining the phone number used to place the pizza order and are working closely with the restaurant involved. Investigators also found three untouched pizza boxes and a delivery bag inside the vacant apartment, indicating the delivery had been completed before the shooting occurred.
The Consulate General of India in New York expressed condolences to Kuncha’s family and said it is providing all possible assistance. Meanwhile, his family in Hyderabad has appealed to India’s Ministry of External Affairs to help bring his remains home and ensure justice is served.
