In a tragic incident highlighting the ongoing concerns about attacks on Indians and Indian-Americans in the US, 34-year-old Amarnath Ghosh, a trained classical dancer from India, was fatally shot in St. Louis, Missouri. Ghosh, who had migrated to the US last year to pursue his dancing dreams, was a practitioner of Kuchipudi and Bharatnatyam styles.
The shooting took place near the border of St. Louis’ Academy and Central West End neighborhoods on Tuesday evening. Ghosh was shot multiple times and died at the scene. He was pursuing a master’s degree in the Performing Arts Department at Washington University.
Indian Classical Dancer (Credits: Deccan Herald)
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department reported that the incident occurred at 7:15 pm at the intersection of Delmar Boulevard and Clarendon Avenue. The motive behind the attack remains unclear.
Ghosh’s killing has sparked outrage and concern, prompting India’s consulate in Chicago to intervene. The consulate has engaged with local police and the university to ensure a thorough investigation into the “reprehensible gun attack.”
The consulate expressed deep condolences to Ghosh’s family and friends and assured that they are providing support and following up on forensic and investigative procedures.
This tragic event adds to a string of attacks on Indian and Indian-origin individuals in the US since the beginning of 2024.
The increasing number of such incidents has raised alarm within the community, highlighting the need for greater awareness and measures to ensure the safety and security of individuals of Indian descent in the country.
