Indian Dancer Amarnath Ghosh Shot Dead in St Louis, US

New York: In a tragic incident, Amarnath Ghosh, a 34-year-old trained classical dancer from India and a student at Washington University, was shot dead in St Louis, Missouri. Ghosh, a Kuchipudi and Bharatnatyam dancer who migrated to the US from Kolkata last year to pursue his dancing dreams, was a victim of a deadly attack near the border of St Louis’ Academy and Central West End neighbourhoods.

The shooting occurred at 7:15 pm on Tuesday at Delmar Boulevard and Clarendon Avenue, as reported by ‘5 On Your Side’. Ghosh, who was pursuing his master’s degree in the Performing Arts Department, was described as a very friendly and talented individual by his friends Hima Kuppa and Ravi Kuppa. They mentioned that he was dedicated to his craft and had a passion for teaching children between the ages of 5 and 18.

Condolences and Investigation

India’s Consulate in Chicago has extended its support to Ghosh’s family and friends, working closely with local authorities and the university to investigate the tragic incident. The Consulate expressed deep condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and assured them of ongoing support during this difficult time.

Washington University also issued a statement condemning the senseless violence that took Ghosh’s life, expressing shock and devastation over the tragic loss. The Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Anna “Dr G” Gonzalez, conveyed the university’s grief and emphasized the need for community support during such challenging times.

Community Concern and Support

Ghosh’s death is part of a concerning trend of violence against Indian and Indian-origin individuals in the US. Several other incidents, including the deaths of individuals like Sameer Kamath, Vivek Taneja, Syed Mazahir Ali, Vivek Saini, Shreyas Reddy Beniger, Neel Acharya, and Akul B Dhawan, have raised alarm within the community.

To address these issues, the Indian Embassy in Washington and its consulates held a virtual interaction with Indian students across the US, focusing on student well-being and fostering connections within the diaspora. About 150 Indian Student Association office bearers and students from 90 US universities participated in the discussion led by Charge d’Affaires, Ambassador Sripriya Ranganathan, and attended by Consul Generals from various regions.

As the investigation into Ghosh’s death continues, the community remains united in seeking justice and support for his loved ones during this difficult time.