Chicago: Sai Teja Nukarapu, a 22-year-old student from Telangana, was shot dead by armed robbers at a shopping mall in Chicago, USA, on Friday, media reports said.

Teja, a resident of Khammam district, was working part-time at the mall’s cash counter when the attackers opened fire and looted cash. He died on the spot.

Teja had moved to the US three months ago to pursue an MBA after completing his BBA in India.

Consulate General of India's office in Chicago decsribed the incident as "shocking" and demanded immediate action against the culprits.

This incident comes just days after another Indian student from Telangana, 23-year-old Aryan Reddy, accidentally fatally shot himself on his birthday in Atlanta, Georgia.

In related news, US consular data revealed that India has overtaken China as the top source of international students in the US for the 2023-24 academic year. Telangana and Andhra Pradesh contributed 56% of these students, with Telangana alone accounting for 34% and Andhra Pradesh 22%.

According to US Consular Chief Rebekah Drame, over 47,000 student visa interviews were conducted in Hyderabad during the summer of 2024, a significant increase from 35,000 the previous year.

Public Affairs Officer Alexander McLaren noted that nearly 3.3 lakh Indian students traveled to the US last year, with most opting for master’s programs.