External Affairs Minister Expresses Grief Over Murder of Telangana Youth in Chicago
New Delhi, Nov 30: External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar has expressed his deep sorrow following the tragic murder of Indian student Nukarapu Sai Teja, a youth from Telangana, who was shot dead at a gas station in Chicago. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday (Indian time), when Sai Teja, a 26-year-old student from Khammam district, was working part-time at the gas station. The assailant reportedly shot him after snatching money and fled the scene.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Indian Consulate in Chicago condemned the murder, offering condolences to the bereaved family and affirming that they would extend all necessary support. The Consulate also demanded immediate action against the culprits responsible for the tragic incident.
Responding to the Consulate’s message, EAM Jaishankar wrote on X: “Deeply grieved at this news. Our Consulate is rendering all possible assistance to the family.”
Sai Teja, who had moved to the United States just four months ago to pursue a Master’s degree at Concordia University, Wisconsin, was working part-time at the gas station to support his studies. His family was informed of the incident by a friend, and the assailant is still at large.
The murder has left his parents, N. Koteshwar Rao and Vani, devastated. They reside in Khammam city, and Sai Teja was their only son. The Telangana Legislative Council member, Madhusudan Thatha, visited the grieving family and offered his condolences, stating that Sai Teja was not on duty at the time of the attack but had been helping a friend.
The Telangana government, along with members of the Telugu Association of North America (TANA), has pledged to assist in bringing the deceased’s body back to India. The body is expected to arrive next week. Local residents, including relatives and friends, gathered at the family home to offer support in this difficult time. Requests for further assistance were made to the state’s Revenue Minister, Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy, to facilitate the return of the remains.
