In a shocking incident that has sent ripples through the Indian diaspora in the United States, 27-year-old Chandrashekar Pole, a promising student from Hyderabad, Telangana, was fatally shot while working a late-night shift at a gas station in Denton, Texas. The attack, carried out by an unidentified gunman, occurred on the evening of October 3, 2025, leaving the young man’s family devastated and prompting urgent calls for swift justice and support from Indian authorities.
Chandrashekar Pole, who had moved to the US just two years prior to pursue advanced studies, was gunned down in what local reports suggest may have been a robbery attempt, though police have yet to confirm the motive. This tragedy underscores the vulnerabilities faced by international students balancing education and part-time work in a foreign land.
The Fatal Shooting: A Night Shift Turned Deadly
The incident unfolded around midnight on Friday, October 3, 2025, at a quiet gas station in Denton, a suburb north of Dallas. Chandrashekar Pole was alone behind the counter, handling the overnight shift as part of his part-time job to support his studies. According to preliminary reports from local authorities, an unidentified gunman entered the premises and opened fire without warning, striking Pole multiple times. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene, despite immediate response from emergency services.
Eyewitness accounts from nearby residents, shared through local media, described hearing several gunshots echoing in the otherwise peaceful neighborhood. The Denton Police Department arrived promptly, securing the area and launching an immediate investigation. “We are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident and working to bring clarity to the case,” a police spokesperson stated in an official release. Security footage from the gas station is believed to be under review, though details remain sealed to protect the ongoing probe.
While some initial reports pointed to a possible robbery—given the isolated nature of the shift and the lack of resistance noted in early assessments—officials have refrained from labeling it as such. No cash or items appear to have been taken, adding layers of uncertainty to the gunman’s intent. The Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office has taken custody of Pole’s body for autopsy, a critical step to determine the exact cause of death and facilitate formal identification. As of October 5, 2025, no suspects have been named, and the community remains on edge, with heightened patrols announced in the vicinity.
Indian Dental Student, Working Part-Time At US Gas Station, Shot Dead https://t.co/AZDqUOPbXL@osamashaab @ghazalimohammad pic.twitter.com/7fbpVHMsL0
— NDTV (@ndtv) October 4, 2025
This shooting marks another grim entry in a string of violent crimes targeting service workers in Texas this year. Denton, home to the University of North Texas where Pole was enrolled, has seen a uptick in late-night incidents at convenience stores, prompting local leaders to call for better lighting and security measures at such establishments. For Pole, what was meant to be a routine earnings opportunity to fund his ambitions ended in unimaginable loss, leaving his employers and colleagues in mourning.
Chandrashekar Pole: From Hyderabad Aspirations to American Dreams
Born on April 4, 1997, in L.B. Nagar, Hyderabad, Chandrashekar Pole embodied the drive of countless young Indians chasing global opportunities. The eldest son in his family, he completed his Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) at a local institution in Hyderabad, graduating with honors and a clear vision for the future. Before embarking on his international journey, Pole built a solid professional foundation in India. From 2020 to 2021, he worked as a programmer analyst at Hitachi Energy in Bengaluru, honing his technical skills. He then transitioned to a data analyst role at American Express in Chennai, serving from 2021 to 2023, where he demonstrated a knack for analytics that would later define his graduate pursuits.
In 2023, at the age of 26, Pole made the bold move to the United States, enrolling in a Master’s program in Data Analytics at the University of North Texas in Denton. The decision was not without familial reservations; his mother, Sunitha Pole, later revealed in interviews that she had been against the relocation, fearing the uncertainties abroad. “I was not in favor of him going to the US,” she said, her voice breaking as she recounted the dreams she held for her son’s safe return. Despite her concerns, Pole’s determination prevailed, driven by prospects of advanced education and career growth in a field blending his dental background with burgeoning data expertise.
Upon arrival, he quickly adapted, securing a part-time position as a senior data analyst at GEICO in August 2024 while juggling coursework. The gas station job supplemented his income, a common necessity for international students navigating visa restrictions and rising living costs. Friends and professors at UNT described him as diligent and affable, often staying late to collaborate on projects. “Chandrashekar was the kind of student who inspired others—always curious, always pushing boundaries,” one classmate shared anonymously.
His LinkedIn profile, frozen in time, highlighted certifications in Python and SQL, alongside his passion for leveraging data in healthcare—a nod to his dental roots. Pole’s life in Denton was one of quiet ambition. He lived frugally in a shared apartment near campus, video-calling home weekly to share updates on classes and job hunts. Tragically, he had completed his master’s just six months prior and was on the cusp of full-time employment, with interviews lined up in analytics firms.
His father, who passed away four years earlier, had instilled in him a work ethic that carried him far; now, with his mother and younger brother Damodar left behind, the void is profound. Damodar, speaking to reporters outside the family home in Rangareddy district, fought back tears: “Our father passed away four years ago. Our mother is heartbroken that she has now lost my brother. We request the Central and state governments to ensure the safety of Indians and bring my son’s body back home as soon as possible.”
Outrage, Condolences, and the Path to Justice
News of Pole’s death spread like wildfire across Hyderabad, igniting a wave of grief and demands for action. On October 4, 2025, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLA T. Harish Rao, nephew of party chief K. Chandrasekhar Rao, visited the Pole residence in BN Reddy Nagar, offering solace and amplifying the family’s pleas. “It is tragic that Chandra Shekhar Pole, a Dalit student from Nagar who completed BDS and went to America for higher studies, died in a shooting carried out by miscreants early morning,” Harish Rao posted on social media, urging the Telangana government to expedite repatriation. Accompanying him was LB Nagar BRS MLA Sudhir Reddy, who echoed calls for comprehensive support.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy responded swiftly, expressing profound shock: “The death of Chandrasekhar in the shooting has caused deep shock and grief.” He assured the family of all possible governmental assistance, including logistical aid for bringing the body back to Hyderabad for last rites. The Consulate General of India in Houston, overseeing Texas, issued a heartfelt statement: “We deeply condole the tragic death of Mr. Chandrashekar Pole, an Indian student from Hyderabad, who was killed in a shooting incident in Denton, Texas. We are in touch with the family and extending all possible assistance. Local authorities are investigating the incident, and we are following up closely with them.”
The broader Indian community in the US, particularly students, has rallied in solidarity. At UNT, a vigil was held on October 4, with candles lit in Pole’s memory and petitions circulated for enhanced campus safety resources. This incident follows a disturbing pattern: last month, Chandra Mouli “Bob” Nagamallaiah, a 50-year-old Indian-origin motel manager, was killed in a brutal attack in Dallas, highlighting escalating concerns for the diaspora. Advocacy groups like the Indian American Community Services have flagged over 20 unexplained deaths of Indian students in the US since 2023, pressing for federal scrutiny.
As the investigation progresses, key hurdles remain. The pending autopsy and death certificate are prerequisites for embalming and transport, a process that could take days amid bureaucratic delays. Pole’s family, supported by friends like Shivakumar—who noted the body was identified via Pole’s passport held by the gas station manager—clings to hope for closure. “When the authorities from the US called, the family went into shock,” Shivakumar recounted. For now, Denton Police continue canvassing for leads, appealing for tips from the public.
Chandrashekar Pole’s story is one of unfulfilled potential, a stark reminder of the perils lurking beyond borders. As his loved ones navigate this nightmare, the quest for answers—and accountability—intensifies, demanding not just justice, but systemic safeguards for those who dare to dream across continents.