A tragic incident has unfolded in Milwaukee, where a 27-year-old Indian origin student of University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee was shot dead during a robbery at a store where he was working part-time.
The victim, Gampa Praveen, had traveled to the United States to pursue higher education and was enrolled in a Master of Science (MS) program. The devastating news has left his family in Telangana in deep sorrow, as they struggle to come to terms with his untimely death.
A Promising Life Cut Short
Gampa Praveen was a resident of Keshampet in Ranga Reddy district, Telangana. Like many students who aspire to study abroad, he had moved to the United States to pursue his dream of higher education.
He was pursuing a Master of Science (MS) degree at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and, like many international students, had taken up a part-time job to support himself financially.
However, the young man’s aspirations were brutally cut short when robbers opened fire at the store where he worked. The senseless act of violence not only took away a promising student’s life but also left a family in India mourning the loss of their beloved son.
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Praveen’s father, Raghavulu, recalled how he had received a WhatsApp call from his son early in the morning but could not answer it. When he later tried calling back, someone else answered the call, raising his suspicions. His worst fears were soon confirmed when he learned from Praveen’s friends that his son had been shot dead during a robbery at the store.
Grieving Family and Community Shocked
Gampa Praveen’s family is devastated by the news. His father, in particular, is struggling to cope with the immense loss. He had spoken to his son just days before the incident, discussing his studies and future plans.
Never in his worst nightmares did he imagine that his son would fall victim to such a heinous crime in a foreign land. The missed WhatsApp call has become a painful reminder of the final moments he could have spent speaking with his son.
The local community in Telangana is equally shaken by the incident. Gampa Praveen was known as a hardworking and ambitious young man who had dreams of making a name for himself.
His tragic demise has raised concerns among parents who send their children abroad for education. Many have expressed their fears over the safety of Indian students studying in foreign countries, especially in regions where gun violence and crimes are prevalent.
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The Indian Embassy in Chicago has stepped in to assist the grieving family. In a statement, the Embassy expressed deep sorrow over Praveen’s tragic death and assured his family that they were in touch with the university and local authorities to provide all possible support.
The process of repatriating Praveen’s body to India is underway, but for his grieving parents, nothing can compensate for the loss of their beloved son.
Rising Concerns Over Student Safety in the US
Gampa Praveen’s tragic death has once again brought the issue of safety and security for international students in the United States into the spotlight.
Over the years, there have been multiple incidents where Indian students have fallen victim to violent crimes, particularly in cities with higher crime rates. The recurring nature of such incidents has led to growing concerns about the safety of students pursuing higher education abroad.
The United States is home to one of the largest populations of international students, including thousands from India. While universities strive to provide a safe environment for their students, the risks associated with part-time jobs in high-crime areas remain a significant concern.
Many students take up part-time jobs in convenience stores, gas stations, and other places that operate late into the night—locations that are often vulnerable to robberies and violent crimes.
Parents of Indian students studying abroad are now calling for better security measures to protect their children. They are urging universities and local authorities to take proactive steps to ensure the safety of international students who often find themselves working in risky environments.
The tragic loss of Praveen has left many wondering if enough is being done to address the safety concerns of students studying in foreign lands.
In response to the incident, community leaders and student organizations have urged authorities in Milwaukee to take immediate action to bring the perpetrators to justice. Law enforcement officials are currently investigating the case, and efforts are being made to identify and apprehend those responsible for the senseless act of violence.
Praveen’s death is a painful reminder of the unpredictable dangers that international students can face while trying to build a better future. His dreams were shattered in an instant, leaving behind a grieving family and an entire community mourning his loss.
As his family prepares to bring his body back to India, the heart-wrenching reality of losing a young, ambitious soul to violence serves as a stark warning that safety must be a priority for students studying abroad.
The tragedy has sparked conversations about gun violence in the United States and how it affects innocent individuals. While policies and discussions continue, the harsh reality remains that another promising life has been taken too soon.
Gampa Praveen’s story will serve as a painful memory for his family, friends, and community, highlighting the urgent need for better safety measures for students worldwide.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏