An Indian national who was pursuing his Master's degree in the United States was shot dead at a fuel station where he was working.
The victim, identified as Saiesh Veera, a native of Eluru in Andhra Pradesh, was killed at a fuel station on West Broad Street, Franklinton, in Columbus, the US state of Ohio, on Thursday.
24-year-old Veera, who went to the US to pursue his Master's Degree in November 2021, also worked part-time at the fuel station to fund his education.
Police suspected that the youth was shot dead during a robbery attempt.
"On April 20, 2023, at 12:50 AM, Columbus Police officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of W. Broad St. on a reported shooting. Upon arrival, the officers located an adult male victim, identified as SAIESH VEERA, M/O/24, suffering from a gunshot wound," the police said in a notification.
The shooter is still at large and police also released a picture of the suspect asking for help in identifying the person.
"Homicide detectives are asking for help to identify this person related to a deadly shooting that occurred on April 20, 2023. Saiesh Veera, 24, was shot and killed at a gas station located in the 1000 block of W. Broad St," the Columbus Division of Police said in a Tweet.
According to Rohit Yalamanchili, who is overseeing an online fundraiser programme to send Veera's body back to India, the deceased youth was doing his Master's course and he got picked under the H1B visa with his graduation just 10 days away.
He was going to quit his work as a clerk at the fuel station in a couple of weeks, Yalamanchili added.
Veera, who lost his father two years ago, was also financially helping his family, including his mother and elder brother, who stay in Eluru.
Yalamanchili recalled Veera as someone who was always willing to help people in all situations and was a great sport on the cricket field.
Every person who plays cricket in the Columbus area would know him; he was a brilliant cricketer and a great friend.
"I hope god brings peace to Saiesh, his mother, family, and friends who were touched by his soul," Yalamanchili said.
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