A 28-year-old man from Telangana was fatally shot while carrying out a pizza delivery in Philadelphia, with his family alleging that the order was deliberately placed to lure him into an ambush.

The victim, Anshul Kuncha, had been living in the United States for nearly four years. While employed in the corporate sector, he reportedly took up weekend pizza deliveries to supplement his income.

According to information shared with the family, Anshul was dispatched on Saturday night to deliver an order at a remote location.

Upon arrival, he was allegedly attacked by an unidentified assailant who opened fire and fled the scene. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died as a result of his injuries.

Relatives have questioned the motive behind the killing, claiming none of Anshul's belongings were taken.

They cited reports suggesting that two masked individuals carrying backpacks were seen near the area around the time of the incident.

Family members said Anshul had previously experienced a robbery in the US, during which valuables including his phone, cash and jewellery were stolen.

However, they stressed that he had never before encountered a violent attack of this nature.

His sister, Tanvi, alleged that the delivery request was not genuine and was instead designed to draw him to an isolated spot. She described the incident as a deliberate setup and urged investigators to identify those responsible.

The family is also seeking the early repatriation of Anshul's body so that his last rites can be conducted in India without delay.

While they said they do not suspect any particular individual, they have called for a thorough investigation and strict action against the perpetrators.

Speaking to reporters, Tanvi expressed anguish over her brother's death and warned families to carefully weigh the risks of sending their children abroad, saying the tragedy had devastated their family.

Meanwhile, the Consulate General of India in New York said it was saddened by the incident and is coordinating with local authorities while extending assistance to the bereaved family.

The killing has sent shockwaves through the Telugu community in the United States as well as Anshul's hometown in Telangana, where relatives, friends and locals are mourning his death.