POOJA G.’s Post

This is about my brother-in-law, Akshay Kumar Gupta. On May 14, 2025, in Austin, Texas — In a deeply disturbing incident, 30-year-old Indian national Akshay Kumar Gupta was brutally stabbed to death aboard a CapMetro bus in downtown Austin. The suspect, Deepak Kandel, 31, reportedly attacked without provocation. He later told police he stabbed Akshay because he resembled his uncle, with whom he had issues. Source: https://lnkd.in/grCNHS7T Akshay was not just the heart of our family—he was a rare, brilliant soul whose presence lit up every room and touched countless lives. His intelligence was extraordinary, but it was his compassion, humility, and sense of purpose that truly set him apart. A genius with a golden heart, Akshay lived to serve, uplift, and inspire lasting change. From a young age, he made India proud—winning national and international competitions, including the Microsoft Imagine Cup, where he represented India globally. His innovation impressed Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, who personally invited him to meet during a visit to India—a moment of immense pride for our family and nation. He earned his Master’s at Penn State University, excelling both academically and professionally. He co-founded FootBit with Srishti Bhalla to help the elderly live independently and safely. He was close to securing major funding to launch the product globally and had even delayed a ~$300,000 Amazon job offer to pursue this vision. He was awarded the prestigious O1A Visa by the U.S. government—an honor reserved for individuals with extraordinary ability in science, tech, or the arts. This rare visa reflects his exceptional achievements and global impact. Now, that light has been taken from us in a senseless, unprovoked act of violence. The man who murdered Akshay was a complete stranger. His only “reason”—that Akshay "looked like his uncle"—is unacceptable and unjust. The suspect had a long criminal and mental health history, yet was allowed to walk free and harm innocent lives. How many chances should someone get before action is taken? This systemic failure has cost our family everything. We urge the Government of India (Ministry Of Home Affairs (mha), GOI, Narendra Modi, Ministry of External Affairs, India, Piyush Goyal) and U.S. authorities (Austin Police Department, Brandy Robinson): -To take swift, strict legal action -To ensure mental illness is not repeatedly used to justify violent crime -To extend full support to Akshay’s grieving family and loved ones Akshay had so much more to give—a builder, a dreamer, a leader. The world lost a visionary—and we, a son, a brother, a friend. We will not stop until justice is served. We urge Indian media (INDIA TV (Independent News Service Pvt Ltd), Aaj Tak, ZEE News, Republic Bharat) to spread awareness so this doesn’t repeat and parents don’t fear sending their kids abroad. #justiceforakshaygupta