In a tragic incident, 30-year-old Indian-origin entrepreneur Akshay Gupta was fatally stabbed aboard a CapMetro bus in Austin, Texas, on the evening of May 14, 2025. The accused, identified as 31-year-old Deepak Kandel, also of Indian origin, was arrested shortly after the incident and charged with first-degree murder.
According to the Austin Police Department, Gupta was attacked without provocation while riding the bus through South Austin. Kandel, who was seated next to Gupta, suddenly stabbed him in the neck. Emergency responders arrived swiftly following a 911 call reporting a stabbing, but despite efforts to save him, Gupta was pronounced dead at 7:30 p.m. on the scene.
Authorities say Gupta and Kandel had no prior interaction. Kandel, reportedly homeless, fled the scene on foot after the bus made an emergency stop. He was located and apprehended less than a mile away. Surveillance footage from the bus helped police identify him. In his initial statement to officers, Kandel claimed he stabbed Gupta because “he looked like his uncle”, but investigators have not established a clear motive. The investigation remains ongoing. The killing has sparked public concern over safety on public transit.
In a statement, Gupta’s family urged the Indian government and US authorities to look into the case and ensure “swift and strict legal action”. “The 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” Akshay “looked like his uncle.” That is not a reason. That is not an excuse. That is not justice. We demand answers,” the family said. “The man responsible had a long criminal history, yet he was allowed to walk free and harm innocent lives. This failure of the system has cost our family everything,” the statement further read.
Who is Akshay Gupta?
Gupta’s death has left his family and the startup community in mourning. A promising entrepreneur in the health-tech sector, Gupta co-founded FootBit, a startup aimed at improving mobility and balance among senior citizens. A graduate of Penn State, he had been awarded the prestigious O-1A visa for individuals with extraordinary abilities in science. His work had attracted attention from top industry leaders, including Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, who had personally invited him to discuss his innovation.
Gupta had also reportedly declined a $300,000 job offer from Amazon to focus on building his start-up, as per his LinkedIn update. A memorial service is being planned in Austin to honour his life and legacy. Local organisations and community members have expressed solidarity with Gupta’s family, offering condolences and support in the wake of the tragedy.