A 45-year-old Indian woman from Gujarat was shot dead during a suspected robbery attempt at a supermarket in the United States, officials and family members confirmed.
The victim has been identified as Meghnaben Patel, originally from Jantral village in Gujarat’s Mehsana district. She had reportedly been working at the supermarket in Virginia for nearly 10 years.
According to reports, local police rushed to the scene after receiving information about the shooting and launched an investigation. Special teams have also been formed to trace and arrest the attacker.
CCTV captures shooting inside store
Disturbing CCTV footage from the supermarket reportedly showed a man entering the near-empty store with his face covered.
The suspect was seen approaching the counter and briefly speaking with Meghnaben Patel before allegedly pulling out a gun and opening fire.
The video further showed the attacker jumping over the counter and continuing to shoot at the woman after she collapsed.
He later fled from the store, police said.
Family in Gujarat devastated
The incident has left the victim’s family in deep shock. Her parents, Karsanbhai Patel and Kapilaben, currently live in Jantral village in Gujarat.
Police in the United States are continuing the investigation and examining CCTV footage and other evidence to identify the accused.
The tragic incident has once again raised concerns over gun violence and attacks targeting store workers in the US