In a tragic turn of events, two Indian nationals—Chandrashekar Pole and Rakesh Ehagaban—were killed in separate incidents in the United States in October 2025, raising fresh concerns over the safety of the Indian diaspora in the country.
On October 1, Chandrashekar Pole, a 27-year-old student from Hyderabad, was fatally shot during a robbery at a gas station in Denton, Texas. He was working there part-time.
Just days later, on October 4, Rakesh Ehagaban, a 51-year-old Indian-origin motel owner, was shot in the head outside his property in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He had stepped out to investigate a disturbance with regards to vehicle parking.
Both incidents have sparked outrage and sorrow within the Indian community and have reignited conversations about the increasing risks faced by Indian nationals abroad.
Rising Violence Against Indians Abroad
These deaths are part of a disturbing trend of increasing crimes against Indians in the United States. From students and tech workers to business owners and artists, Indian nationals have found themselves increasingly vulnerable to violence.
Several recent deaths, many involving gun violence, have made international headlines, highlighting the growing concern about the safety of Indian citizens abroad.
According to a 2024 report, over 800 Indian students have died overseas since 2018, with the United States reporting the highest number of fatalities—141. While causes vary, including accidents, suicides, and medical emergencies, a growing proportion involve violent crimes, sparking calls for better safety measures and stronger community support systems.
Chandrashekar Pole was a postgraduate student from Hyderabad. He had moved to the US in 2023 after earning his Bachelor of Dental Surgery. He was working part-time at a gas station in Denton, Texas, while seeking full-time employment. He was shot dead during a robbery.
Media reports said that the Consulate General of India in Houston confirmed they are providing assistance to the family. Telangana BRS MLA Thanneeru Harish Rao expressed grief, calling the incident “heart-wrenching” and urged authorities to bring his body back to India swiftly.
Rakesh Ehagaban, the motel owner from Pittsburgh was shot dead after checking on a dispute involving a guest, later identified as 37-year-old Stanley Eugene West. Surveillance footage reportedly shows West shooting Rakesh after he asked if everything was alright. Just moments earlier, West allegedly shot a woman—believed to be his companion—in the neck while she sat in a car with a child. The woman remains hospitalized in critical condition.
More cases:
In September, this year,Chandra Mouli Nagamallaiah was beheaded in a Dallas motel after an argument over a washing machine with an employee. The suspect, a Cuban immigrant with a criminal history, is in custody. The suspect had even kicked the head of Nagamallaiah.
In the same month, Mohammed Nizamuddin,30-year-old tech worker from Telangana, Nizamuddin was shot and killed by police in California. His family was informed of the incident only two weeks later, raising concerns about transparency.
Earlier in March, Amarnath Ghosh,a classical dancer from Kolkata, Ghosh was shot dead in St. Louis, Missouri. The motive remains unknown and the investigation is ongoing.
Last year in January, Vivek Saini, 25-year-old student from Haryana, was in Georgia by a homeless man he had reportedly been helping.
Possible factors behind the violence:
While not all cases are connected or classified as hate crimes, many incidents share underlying themes like gun violence and violent assaults becoming common causes of death among Indians in the US. Mental health issues and the pressures of academic and work life abroad have also contributed to a number of suicides among Indian students.
In some cases like that of Nizamuddin, suspicious or delayed reporting has created a sense of mistrust and fear among families.
Moreover, hate crimes,though not always confirmed, continue to loom large. The 2017 killing of Srinivas Kuchibhotla in Kansas remains a chilling reminder of the risks of racially motivated violence.
Calls for action:
Community leaders and Indian officials have repeatedly urged US authorities to enhance safety and support for Indian nationals. There have also been appeals to the Indian government to establish more robust support systems, including legal aid, counseling services, and fast-track repatriation assistance for bereaved families.
As these tragic incidents continue to unfold, Indian families with loved ones abroad remain on edge, hoping for stronger safeguards and accountability in what has become a troubling pattern of violence.
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