Hyderabad: Even before the gunning down of Telugu aviation engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla by a racist person in Kansas, USA, is erased from the memory of Indians, another youth from Telangana Sharath Koppula was shot at in a restaurant in Kansas, Missouri, on Friday evening (as per local time). The 26-year was studying at University of Missouri in Kansas.
His family members received a telephone call from Missouri hospital about the incident. They were informed that Sharath had suffered a bullet injury in his shoulder but, not many details were given. His father Rammohan and other family members met Telangana director general of police M Mahender Reddy seeking help in getting full details and treatment for their son. They also approached external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj for help.
The family hails from Warangal district. Sharath, who did his engineering degree in Warangal, went to Kansas early this year for MS and is living at 5303 Charlotte Street Apartment.
The shootout took place around 7 pm, when some more friends were with Sharath when he was attacked. The Kansas police were reported to have found Sharath lying in a pool of blood with a bullet wound. The cops rushed him to the hospital where he was declared dead. Some reports quoting eyewitnesses said five rounds of bullet shots were heard. However, no arrests have been made yet.
It may be mentioned that Kuchibhotla was shot dead by a racist retired navy officer Adam Purinton on February 22 last year. Purinton was recently given a life sentence by an American court.
Indian consulate officials in the United States confirmed that Sharat was killed in a robbery attempt. “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,” the Consulate General of India in Chicago Tweeted.