PhD student from India shot dead in US

The shocking incident occurred in the St Louis Academy neighbourhood on Tuesday, 27th February, leaving the Indian diaspora in grief and disbelief.

| Updated: 02 March, 2024 2:21 pm IST
Amarnath Ghosh, a talented dancer pursuing his doctorate at Washington University was fatally shot during an evening walk Devoleena Bhattacharjee, a popular TV actress and close friend of Ghosh, appealed to Indian authorities to take actions

NEW DELHI: Tragedy struck the Indian community abroad as Amarnath Ghosh, a talented dancer pursuing his doctorate at Washington University in St Louis, Missouri, was fatally shot during an evening walk. The shocking incident occurred in the St Louis Academy neighbourhood on Tuesday, 27th February, leaving the Indian diaspora in grief and disbelief.

Initial reports indicate that Ghosh, renowned for his mastery of classical dance forms including Kuchipudi, Bharatnatyam, Manipuri, and Kathak, was shot multiple times by an unknown assailant. The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, prompting outcry and demands for justice from his family and friends.

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Meenakshi Sharan, founder of the Ayodhya Foundation, took to social media to raise awareness about the tragedy, lamenting the loss of the only child in Ghosh’s family. Sharan highlighted the distressing lack of information provided by US officials and the difficulty faced by loved ones in claiming Ghosh’s body for final rites. “Kuchipudi dancer par excellence, #AmarnathGhosh shot dead in St. Louis, Missouri! Please help @IndianEmbassyUS @DrSJaishankar 🙏🏻Amarnath was shot multiple times while he was taking an evening walk in the St Louis academy neighbourhood on Tuesday, 27th February 2024. The only child in the family lost his father at a very young age, lost his mother 3 years back, and was pursuing his PhD in the US. One we are aghast with this news & are getting no details, no updates, even his body hasn’t been handed over to friends who’ve been trying to claim it! @USAndIndia” She posted on X

Devoleena Bhattacharjee, a popular TV actress and close friend of Ghosh, appealed to Indian authorities, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar, for assistance in repatriating Ghosh’s remains. Describing Ghosh’s challenging family circumstances, Bhattacharjee emphasized the urgency of the situation and called for swift action to bring closure to his grieving loved ones.

The ‘Saath Nibhaana Saathiya actress penned a long note to her friend from Kolkata. ” Only child in the family, mother died three years back, father passed away during his childhood. Well, the reason, the details of the accused are not revealed yet, or perhaps no one is left in his family to fight for it except his few friends. He was from Kolkata.”

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Ghosh’s academic pursuits were focused on exploring the intersection of cultures through the lens of renowned Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore’s compositions. His passion for dance and dedication to his studies earned him respect and admiration within both academic and artistic circles.

Hailing from Siuri, West Bengal, Ghosh was a proud alumnus of the Kalakshetra College of Fine Arts and the founder of MAHAAMRITENDRA, an organization dedicated to promoting Indian classical arts. His untimely demise has sent shockwaves through the global Indian community, sparking renewed concerns about the safety of Indian students and professionals abroad.

As investigations into Ghosh’s death continue, the Consulate General of India in Chicago has extended condolences to his family and friends, pledging support and assistance in navigating the aftermath of this tragic loss. The consulate remains actively engaged in liaising with local authorities to ensure a thorough investigation and provide closure to Ghosh’s bereaved loved ones. It posted on X, “Deep condolences to family & friends of deceased Amarnath Ghosh in StLouis, Missouri.

We are following up forensic, investigation with police & providing support.” To which Meenakshi responded by saying, “Thank you, please ensure that the culprits are identified & punished, we are devastated!
#JusticeForAmarnathGhosh”

 

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