Indian Consulate in Atlanta on Monday (January 29, 2024) expressed 'deep anguish' over the killing of Indian-origin man Vivek Saini by a homeless man in Lithonia city.

Witnesses told  WSB-TV Saini was attacked with a hammer by a homeless man at the Chevron Food Mart at Snapfinger and Cleveland Road in Lithonia.

Workers at Food Mart said they allowed the homeless man to come in and out of their store.

Police identified him as 53-year-old Julian Faulkner.

India in Atlanta posted on X, "We are deeply anguished by the terrifying, brutal, & heinous incident that led to the death of National/student Mr Vivek Saini & condemns attack in the strongest terms. It is understood that the US authorities have arrested the accused & are investigating the case."

"The Consulate got in touch with the family of Mr Saini immediately after the incident, provided all consular assistance in sending the mortal remains back to India, and remains in touch with the family," read the post.

Why did Vivek go to the US?

Vivek Saini hails from Haryana state of India.

He completed his BTech in Computer Science from Chandigarh University.

The Indian-origin student recently completed his Masters in Business Administration from Alabama University.

Vivek's cousin Simran told India Today his body reached India and his last rites are also over.

"He was a brilliant student who just wanted a decent job to support himself and his family. He used to work in a store, and for the last many days, the person identified as Vivek's killer used to come to the store and beg for cigarettes," Simran said.

Vivek used to give him cigarettes, but on that day, he refused and said he would call the police if the man came to annoy them again. Later, he came with a hammer and cold-bloodedly killed my brother," said Simran.