Hyderabad:
A 27-year-old student from Hyderabad, Chandrashekar Pole, was tragically shot dead at a gas station in Dallas, Texas, where he was working part-time. The incident occurred late on Friday night, sending shockwaves across his hometown and the Indian student community in the United States.
Victim was pursuing higher studies in the US
Chandrashekar had completed his Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) in Hyderabad before moving to the United States in 2023 to pursue a Master’s in Dental Surgery. To support his education and living expenses, he took up part-time work at a local gas station, a common practice among international students.
According to reports, unidentified miscreants opened fire at the gas station in what appeared to be an attempted robbery. Chandrashekar sustained critical injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Local police have begun an investigation to identify and arrest the culprits behind the crime.
Police investigation underway
The Dallas Police Department stated that preliminary evidence indicates no prior confrontation between the suspects and the victim. Surveillance footage from nearby security cameras is being examined to trace the movements of the attackers. The authorities have appealed to the public to share any information that could help in the investigation.
Family in Hyderabad devastated
In Hyderabad’s Bachupally area, Chandrashekar’s parents received the heartbreaking news through friends in the US. His father, who works in a private company, said the family had been eagerly waiting for his graduation next year. His mother, inconsolable, has appealed to the government to ensure a swift repatriation of his body.
The family has reached out to the Telangana NRI Department and the Indian Consulate in Houston for assistance. The Indian Embassy has confirmed that it is in close contact with the local authorities and Chandrashekar’s university to facilitate the return of his remains.
Outpouring of grief among peers
Friends and fellow students described Chandrashekar as a bright, hardworking and kind-hearted individual who often volunteered to help newcomers adjust to life in the US. “He used to say he wanted to open a dental clinic back home in India,” recalled one of his batchmates from Hyderabad.
The tragic incident has sparked concern among Indian students and professionals living abroad, highlighting ongoing fears over safety in late-night jobs. Community leaders have urged Indian students in the US to avoid night shifts and remote workplaces whenever possible.
Government assistance and condolences
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed condolences and assured that the Indian Mission in the US is providing all necessary consular support. Telangana IT Minister D. Sridhar Babu also conveyed sympathy to the bereaved family and said the state government will help in bringing back Chandrashekar’s mortal remains at the earliest.
Meanwhile, members of the Indian diaspora in Dallas held a small candlelight vigil to honour his memory, demanding stronger safety measures for immigrant workers.
Tragic pattern of rising attacks
This incident adds to the growing list of attacks involving Indian nationals and students in the US in recent years. Earlier in 2025, several similar cases were reported across states like Georgia and California, raising alarm within the Indian community about their safety.
As the investigation continues, Chandrashekar’s family awaits closure, hoping for justice for their son who left home to chase a dream that ended in tragedy.