US: Telangana student shot dead during suspected robbery attempt at Missouri restaurant
Sharath Koppu was a postgraduate student of software engineering at the University of Missouri Kansas City.
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A 25-year-old Indian student died soon after being shot inside a restaurant in Kansas City, Missouri, on Friday evening. Indian authorities identified him as Sharath Koppu from Telangana. He was shot during a suspected robbery attempt, police said.
Koppu was a postgraduate student of software engineering at the University of Missouri Kansas City, and worked at the restaurant part-time.
A worker at the restaurant told The Kansas City Star that while others ducked for cover, Koppu ran away from the suspect toward the back of the store, and was shot in the back. Two other witnesses, who were in a nearby motel, said they had heard five gunshots. The incident took place around 7 pm local time on Friday.
Police have released a video clip of a suspect inside the restaurant before the shooting and have asked for citizens’ help in identifying him. They announced a reward of $10,000 for providing information about the suspect. The number of people involved is not clear yet.
“We immediately rendered aid in regard to the injuries,” Captain Lionel Colon of the local police department told The Kansas City Star. “Once the fire department arrived, they transported him to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.”
An investigation is under way.
Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj said she had spoken to the victim’s father, Ram Mohan Reddy in Hyderabad. “We have offered that in case a family member wishes to go to Kansas, we will facilitate the United States visa. Else we will bring the mortal remains at the earliest,” Swaraj tweeted.
Telangana Minister KT Rama Rao and Deputy Chief Minister Kadiyam Srihari met the victim’s family, ANI reported.
Looking for this suspect in the robbery & murder of 25-y.o. Sharath Kopuu at 5412 Prospect last night. Sharath was from India and is a student at UMKC. $10,000 reward for info leading to charges in this (& every KCMO murder) https://t.co/qUxkcItwXf
— Kansas City Police (@kcpolice) July 7, 2018
https://t.co/kHpxsONTka
— India in Chicago (@IndiainChicago) July 7, 2018
Deepest condolences to the family of K Sharat who was victim of a shooting in Kansas City Missouri. Consulate officials are on the way. We will provide all assistance.@SushmaSwaraj @IndianEmbassyUS @CPVIndia @NavtejSarna
Telangana Minister KT Rama Rao & Deputy CM Kadiyam Srihari today met family of Sharath Koppu, who was shot dead in US on Friday after unknown people opened fired in Missouri's Kansas City. pic.twitter.com/KFYwlG8R3z
— ANI (@ANI) July 8, 2018
In May, a Kansas man was sentenced to life in prison for shooting dead Indian engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla in February 2017. Adam Purinton reportedly yelled “get out of my country” before fatally shooting Kuchibhotla at a bar in Olathe, Kansas.
Kansas incident - I have spoken to Sharath's father Shri Ram Mohan Reddy in Hyderabad to convey our heartfelt condolences. We have offered that in case a family member wishes to go to Kansas, we will facilitate the US Visa. Else we will bring the mortal remains at the earliest.
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) July 8, 2018