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Jalandhar youth shot dead in US
Nikhil Bhardwaj /TNS

Jalandhar April 14
The death of a young Indian American in Fremont town, California, has shattered the dreams of his extended family settled in the city.

Rahul Sharma, 20, son of Pran Nath, was shot in the head on April 5 as he stood in the driveway of his apartment complex. He was pronounced dead at Regional Medical Center of San Jose. The reason for his killing is not yet clear. Rahul was working toward his General Educational Development (GED) tests.

The boy along with his family settled in the US seven years ago. They visited the city occasionally and met their relatives. The victim’s uncle, Harjinder Sharma, said soon after the death, Rahul’s mother Davinder Sharma went into shock and has since been hospitalised.

Rahul was very close to his grandmother Dharamvati, who lives in the city. She said he had recently demanded traditional Punjabi attire, which she had dispatched through courier a few days ago.

“I am a heart patient. My grandson frequently called me to remind me of my medicines and other health tips,” said Dharamvati. Rahul was planning to visit India in November, she said. “The only memories of my grandson are his bike and scores of pigeons that he kept here,” she said, struggling to control her tears.

The California police released a sketch of the accused, said Rahul’s family members. In a statement, the North American Punjabi Association condemned the murder and demanded an inquiry. (With PTI inputs)