Austin, Texas— On May 14, 2025, 30-year-old Indian-origin entrepreneur Akshay Gupta was fatally stabbed aboard a CapMetro bus in Austin. The assailant, identified as 31-year-old Deepak Kandel, also of Indian origin, attacked Gupta without provocation, later claiming the victim "looked like his uncle." Kandel was apprehended shortly after the incident and charged with first-degree murder.
Key Facts:
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Date of Incident: May 14, 2025
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Victim: Akshay Gupta, 30, co-founder of health-tech startups FootBit and ASG Research LLC
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Assailant: Deepak Kandel, 31, homeless, charged with first-degree murder
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Location: CapMetro bus in Austin, Texas
Gupta was seated at the back of the bus when Kandel, sitting beside him, suddenly stabbed him in the neck. Emergency services responded promptly, but Gupta was pronounced dead at 7:30 p.m. CCTV footage revealed Kandel calmly exiting the bus with other passengers before fleeing on foot. He was located less than a mile away and taken into custody.
Gupta, a Penn State graduate, was recognized for his innovative work in health technology, aiming to enhance mobility for senior citizens. His startups had garnered attention, and he had previously met Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella in recognition of his contributions.
The Indian-American community in Austin and beyond has been deeply affected by the incident, highlighting concerns about public safety and mental health issues. Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the unprovoked attack.
"Kandel stabbed Gupta in the neck without provocation," according to police.
Do You Know? Akshay Gupta co-founded FootBit, a startup focused on enhancing mobility and balance for senior citizens, and ASG Research LLC in 2024.
Key Terms:
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CapMetro: Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the public transportation provider in Austin, Texas.
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First-Degree Murder: A legal charge indicating a premeditated and intentional killing.
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CCTV Footage: Closed-circuit television recordings used by law enforcement for surveillance and evidence.