Indian Student Shot Dead at Dallas Gas Station: Community Mourns

A tragic incident unfolded in Dallas, Texas, where a 27-year-old Indian student, Chandrashekar Pole, was shot dead while working at a gas station. The shooting occurred late on the night of March 14, 2024, when an unidentified gunman opened fire at the location. Pole, originally from Hyderabad, had recently completed his master’s degree in Data Analytics from the University of North Texas, Dallas, and was working part-time to support his living expenses.

Chandrashekar Pole had previously earned his Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) in India before moving to the United States in 2023. His family has expressed their devastation over the loss and is seeking assistance from the Indian government to repatriate his body back to Hyderabad. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is expected to issue a formal statement regarding the situation.

Community and Official Responses

Following the news of Pole’s death, T Harish Rao, a member of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), visited the bereaved family to offer condolences. The family has emphasized their hope that the Indian government will expedite the process for bringing Chandrashekar home. As of now, there has been no official response from the MEA regarding their request.

This incident is part of a growing concern about violence in the United States, particularly involving shootings. Just weeks prior, a shooting incident occurred at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Dallas, which resulted in two deaths. According to ICE acting Director Todd Lyons, the suspect in that case died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

A Series of Tragic Events

The recent fatal shooting of an Indian student reflects a troubling trend. Earlier in March, another incident involved a man from Haryana who was killed for intervening when someone attempted to urinate outside the store where he worked. Such incidents raise serious questions about safety and violence in public spaces.

As the community mourns the loss of Chandrashekar Pole, discussions surrounding safety and support for international students are becoming increasingly urgent. The Indian student community in the United States is calling for greater protection and awareness of the challenges they face.

While the investigation into Pole’s death continues, his family and friends remember him as a dedicated student with a promising future. The outpouring of grief highlights the profound impact of his loss, not only on his immediate family but also on the broader community.