A masked assailant entered a supermarket in the US state of Virginia and fatally shot Meghna Patel, a 47-year-old woman from Gujarat who was employed at the store, during a suspected robbery attempt. The victim, shot at close range, succumbed to her injuries before medical help could arrive.
Victim's Background
Meghna Patel, a native of Jantral village in Mehsana district, had been living in the United States for the past 10 years with her husband Upendra Patel and their two children. She worked at the supermarket to support her family.
The Incident
The cold-blooded killing occurred on May 23 and was captured by the store's surveillance cameras. The footage shows the masked man entering the store, briefly looking around, and walking up to the counter. He then pulled out a firearm concealed near his waist and fired multiple rounds before fleeing the scene. Sources indicate the entire incident unfolded within 26 seconds.
Police Response
Local police rushed to the scene and cordoned off the area. Investigators are examining the CCTV footage and questioning witnesses to establish the motive behind the killing. Authorities are yet to officially disclose the exact circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Community in Shock
The incident has sent shockwaves through the Gujarati community in Virginia and in Meghna's native village of Jantral, where her parents reside. Family members expressed grief, stating that Meghna had moved to the US a decade ago for a better future.
Family Statement
Her father, Karsan Patel, told the Times of India, "Upendra had dropped Meghna at the store 30 minutes before the shooting. The two worked in different stores to earn their livelihood." According to him, the assailant had also shot someone else in the vicinity about an hour earlier.
The investigation is ongoing, and the community awaits justice for Meghna Patel.
