In a tragic turn of events, a Telugu student, Dasari Gopikrishna, aged 32 and hailing from Yajali in Karlapalem mandal of Bapatla district, Andhra Pradesh, met with a fatal shooting at a convenience store in a gas station in Pleasant Grove, Dallas, Texas. Gopikrishna had relocated to the USA just eight months ago in pursuit of better career opportunities.
The incident occurred on a Saturday afternoon while Gopikrishna was working at the store's counter. An assailant entered the premises and opened fire, fatally injuring Gopikrishna, who succumbed to his injuries early Sunday morning while undergoing treatment at a local hospital.
Gopikrishna's sudden demise has left his family, friends, and community in deep mourning. He is survived by his wife and son, and preparations are underway to repatriate his remains to his hometown in Andhra Pradesh.
CCTV footage from the convenience store has captured the tragic incident, with visuals now circulating on social media platforms, highlighting the brutal nature of the attack.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu expressed his condolences over the untimely death of Gopikrishna, extending support to the grieving family during this difficult time.
This tragic incident underscores the challenges faced by Indian expatriates in the USA, prompting calls for enhanced safety measures and support for the Indian community abroad.
Special Note:
Recent reports by major media outlets, including Hindustan Times, India Today, and Republic, erroneously linked two separate incidents: a shooting at a butcher shop in Arkansas and the tragic death of Dasari Gopikrishna, an Indian student at a gas station in Dallas, Texas.
Contrary to initial claims, authorities have confirmed that there was no Indian-origin victim involved in the Arkansas shooting. This misinformation highlights the importance of accurate reporting and verifying sources in sensitive situations.