In a tragic incident at a fitness centre in Indiana, the passing of Varun Raj Pucha, a 24-year-old Indian student from Telangana, has been confirmed by the university where he was enrolled. Varun, a student in Computer Science at Valparaiso University, was attacked by 24-year-old Jordan Andrade, who reportedly stabbed him in the head with a knife on October 29.
The accused, Jordan Andrade, is facing serious charges, including attempted murder and aggravated battery. According to newly filed charges in the case, Andrade claimed that Varun was going to harm him, a motive he allegedly cited for the attack. Interestingly, Andrade also told the police that he and Varun had never interacted prior to the assault, but he had received information from an unspecified source that Varun was a threat.
Law enforcement officials investigating the case also interviewed staff members at the Planet Fitness centre, where the incident occurred. They reported that Varun was a regular gym member known for keeping to himself and maintaining a reserved and non-threatening demeanour. There were no indications that he exhibited any concerning behaviour.
Varun, pursuing a Master’s in Computer Science, commenced his studies in the US in August 2022 with plans to return home to Telangana’s Khammam upon completing his course next year.
