Indian Dancer Shot Dead in US: Fundraiser Launched for Funeral after TV Actor Shares News, Centre in Touch with US Authorities

A fundraiser has been launched to collect funds for the funeral of Amarnath Ghosh, a professional Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi dancer from Kolkata, who was shot dead in the US state of Mississippi.

His death is the latest in the series of deaths of Indians and Indian-origin individuals in the US. More than half a dozen cases of Indians and Indian-origin people being killed in the US have surfaced since the beginning of this year.

“The loss of Amarnath has left us all devastated, and his absence is deeply felt within our Kuchipudi group. In light of this, we are reaching out to our community for support. Amarnath was a dedicated student of the renowned Guru Vempati Chinna Satyam Garu. He was pursuing his Master’s at Washington University in St. Louis while serving as faculty at the Kuchipudi Art Academy, where he shared his passion and expertise, enriching our lives with his talent and dedication,” the GoFundMe page set up for him said.

The news of his death in the US garnered national attention after actor Devoleena Bhattacharjee shared the news of his death on social media site X. Devoleena said Amarnath was her friend and urged the Indian government to ensure strict action is taken against culprits.

The Indian government responded to the news and said they are in touch with their American counterparts and are following the probe into the matter.

“Deep condolences to family & friends of deceased Amarnath Ghosh in StLouis, Missouri. We are following up forensic, investigation with police & providing support. (The) Consulate is extending all help to relatives of deceased Amarnath Ghosh. (It has) Taken up the case strongly with St Louis police and the University for investigation of the reprehensible gun attack,” the Indian consulate in Chicago said.

“At least we should know the reason (behind) his murder,” she wrote on social media site X.

“My friend Amarnath Ghosh was shot and killed in the St Louis Academy neighbourhood, US on Tuesday evening. Only child in the family, (his) mother died 3 years back. Father passed away during his childhood,” she further added.

She also said that some of her friends in the US are trying to claim the body.

St. Louis police officials said they found a man suffering from multiple gunshots around 7 pm Tuesday near Delmar Boulevard and Clarendon Avenue. He died at the scene, and police have not released his name.

Amarnath Ghosh was pursuing a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in dance at Washington University in Saint Louis. His research focused on the works of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, according to his profile on the Washington University’s website.