Indian student fatally stabbed in Head at US Gym, Allegedly for “Looking Weird”

In a tragic incident, 24-year-old Varun Raj Pucha, an Indian computer science student at Valparaiso University, lost his life after being stabbed in the head by 24-year-old Jordan Andrade at a fitness center in Indiana on October 29. The accused faces charges of attempted murder and aggravated battery, claiming self-defense, stating Varun was “threatening.”

Despite having no prior interaction, Andrade, feeling threatened, initiated the attack in the gym’s massage room. Witnesses, including Planet Fitness staff, contradicted Andrade’s claim, describing Varun as a quiet and reserved regular gym member.

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Andrade, asserting he acted defensively, portrayed Varun as a threat, citing his own background as a former high school football player. He provided a vague account of the attack, stating, “Uh, I just put it through,” and remained tight-lipped when questioned about specifics.

The accused admitted pulling the knife from his pocket, a tool used for work at Menards. Varun’s memorial service is scheduled for November 16th on campus, with Valparaiso University expressing condolences to his family. Varun, from Telangana’s Khammam district, began his MS in computer science in the US in August 2022. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, leaving a community in mourning and seeking answers.