In a deeply tragic incident that has shocked the Indian-American community and the tech startup world, 30-year-old Indian-origin entrepreneur Akshay Gupta was brutally stabbed to death on a public bus in Austin, Texas. According to the Austin Police Department (APD), the attack occurred without provocation and has led to the arrest of 31-year-old Deepak Kandel, who has been charged with first-degree murder.
The incident took place on the evening of May 14, when emergency services responded to a distress call about a stabbing aboard a city bus. When officers arrived, they found Gupta with a severe neck wound. Despite life-saving efforts by emergency personnel, Gupta was declared dead at 7:30 p.m., according to a report from local news outlet KXAN.
CCTV footage from inside the bus was critical in quickly identifying and apprehending the suspect. Kandel, who had stabbed Gupta in the neck without any visible confrontation, calmly exited the bus along with other passengers after the vehicle stopped. He was found on foot less than a mile from the scene and detained by patrol officers shortly thereafter.
In a shocking admission, Kandel reportedly told the police that he attacked Gupta because "he looked like his uncle." The affidavit detailing the arrest indicates that Kandel has a history of misdemeanor charges and has been arrested and released multiple times in the past. There were approximately 12 passengers on the bus at the time of the attack. None of them were injured, but they were witnesses to what authorities are calling a sudden and senseless act of violence.
Akshay Gupta was a bright mind in the health-tech sector and the co-founder of FootBit, a startup based in Austin aimed at helping senior citizens enhance their mobility and balance through smart wearables. He also co-founded ASG Research LLC in 2024, signaling his deep involvement in innovation and technology. According to his LinkedIn profile, Gupta held a master’s degree from Penn State University. His work in the startup field had earned him recognition at the highest levels he even met Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella as part of a recognition for his contributions to tech innovation.
Gupta’s sudden and violent death has not only devastated his family and colleagues but also struck a chord across the Indian diaspora and startup circles. Friends and supporters have described him as intelligent, compassionate, and dedicated to creating meaningful change through technology. Community members and advocates are now raising questions about public safety measures on public transportation and mental health monitoring, especially given Kandel's known history of prior arrests. The Indian Embassy is reportedly in contact with local authorities to offer any necessary support and assistance to Gupta’s family.
As the investigation progresses, Gupta’s tragic death serves as a chilling reminder of how random acts of violence can claim even the most promising lives. The Austin Police Department has urged any additional witnesses or individuals with information about the incident to come forward. A memorial is being planned in Austin by the local tech and Indian communities to honor Gupta’s memory and contributions. His loss leaves a void not just in the health-tech field, but in the broader immigrant and entrepreneurial communities striving to make a difference in the United States.
