India Tribune Newsdesk
Dallas, TX: In a tragic incident that has shocked both India and the Indian diaspora in the United States, 27-year-old Chandrashekar Pole, a student from Hyderabad, was shot dead during an apparent robbery at a gas station in Dallas, Texas. The shooting occurred late on October 3, while Pole was working a night shift at the station where he had taken up part-time employment while seeking a full-time job.
Pole had moved to the United States in 2023 to pursue higher education after completing his Bachelor of Dental Surgery in Hyderabad. He recently graduated with a master’s degree in data analytics from the University of North Texas in Denton and was awaiting job opportunities in his field. Friends and family describe him as hardworking and ambitious, determined to make a better life for himself and his loved ones.
The Dallas Police confirmed that the suspect, 23-year-old Richard Florez, shot Pole before fleeing the scene. Florez then reportedly fired at another vehicle a mile away, though no one was injured, and later attempted to break into a residence by ramming into its gate. Police arrested him shortly after the rampage, and he has been charged with murder. Authorities have launched a full investigation into the case, while the Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office is conducting an autopsy and completing the paperwork necessary to repatriate the victim’s remains to India.
The Consulate General of India (CGI) in Houston has expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family and stated that it is in close contact with both the family and local law enforcement. “We are extending all possible assistance and following up closely with the authorities investigating the incident,” the consulate said in a statement.
Back in Hyderabad, the tragedy has left the Pole family devastated. His mother, Sunitha, expressed her anguish, saying she learned of her son’s death from a friend’s parents and pleaded with the Indian government to expedite the return of his body. “We request the central and state governments to ensure the safety of Indians abroad and bring my son’s body home as soon as possible,” she said. His brother echoed the plea, asking for urgent government intervention to repatriate the remains.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed deep sorrow over the incident, offering prayers for Pole’s soul and promising full support to the family in bringing his body back home. “This incident has caused deep shock and grief. The government will stand by Chandrashekar’s family,” he stated. Several political leaders, including BRS MLA Sudhir Reddy and former minister T. Harish Rao, visited the family to offer condolences. Rao described the incident as “heart-wrenching,” saying it was painful to see the grief of parents who had such high hopes for their son’s future.
Meanwhile, friends of the slain student have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help repatriate his body and support his family. “Our hearts are shattered,” the fundraiser read. “He was full of dreams, hope, and determination to make his family proud.”
Chandrashekar Pole’s untimely death has reignited concerns about the safety of international students in the U.S., especially those working late-night jobs to support themselves.
