By: Dr Avi Verma

The tragic death of Praveen Kumar Gampa, an Indian student pursuing his post-graduation at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM), has sent shockwaves through the Indian community in the United States and his hometown of Keshampet village, Shadnagar Rangareddy district, Telangana. Praveen was fatally shot in a suspected robbery at a local store where he worked part-time.

According to reports, the incident occurred in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where Praveen was pursuing his higher studies. His father, Raghavulu, revealed to ANI that Praveen had moved to the US in August 2023 and had recently returned to India in December before going back in January. “He went to the US in August 2023. Recently, he came in December and went back in January. On February 21, he paid the entire college fees by clearing the 11 lakhs due,” Raghavulu said. “While going from here, he stated that he doesn’t need any money from here as he will get a loan amount.”

Raghavulu also recounted the harrowing moments leading up to the confirmation of his son’s death. “Yesterday at 2:55 am, I got a voice call, but I couldn’t attend it. Later, when we left a voice message, we did not get any reply. At around 7 am, when we called, the police lifted the call and said that they had found the phone. They asked for date of birth, we thought some fraud might have happened. We informed his friends. When his friends called, they were asked to reach that location. When they reached the police station, the police showed them a picture, and they confirmed his identity.”

Raghavulu made a heart wrenching appeal to parents to avoid sending their kids abroad, stating, “We appeal to all the parents not to send their children abroad; let them study here. My son was doing a job here after his B.Tech. He wanted to do a master’s. He requested his mother, who told me to send him. I appeal all the parents not to send their children to America.”

Praveen’s mother also expressed her grief, saying, “We appeal to the government to bring back my son’s body at the earliest. I talked to my son the day before he was killed. He told me that everything was good and he was going to his room. After that, I don’t know anything. That was the last time he talked to me. He told me everything was good and there was no problem.”

The Consulate General of India in Chicago has confirmed their involvement and support, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “We are saddened by the untimely death of Praveen Kumar Gampa, a Post-graduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The Consulate is in contact with Praveen’s family and the University, helping them with all possible support. Our heartfelt condolences and prayers are with his family and friends of the departed.”

BRS leader K. Kavitha has also expressed her condolences and urged the Telangana and Central governments to expedite the process of bringing Praveen’s body back to India. She also advised Indian students in the US to be brave and assured them of the Indian government and embassy’s support.

Local authorities in Milwaukee are conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Praveen’s death. The Indian community and officials are focused on providing support to the grieving family during this incredibly difficult time.