Indian student, stabbed at head for being 'little weird' in US gym, dies
New Delhi: An Indian student, who was stabbed in the head at a gym, succumbed to his head injuries on Wednesday, Valparaiso University, where he was studying Computer Science, said in a statement.
Varun Raj Pucha, 24, was attacked at a fitness centre in the US state of Indiana on October 29 by 24-year-old Jordan Andrade, police said, reported nwitimes.com.
"It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Varun Raj Pucha. Our campus community has lost one of its own, and our thoughts and prayers go out to Varun's family and friends as we mourn this devastating loss," Valparaiso University said in a statement, according to the report.
The accused has been charged with attempted murder and aggravated battery.
According to the police, Andrade said that Varun "was going to assassinate" him, according to newly filed charges in the case.
Andrade told the police that he just “reacted” and that "someone" had told him that Varun was "threatening".
He has admitted to not knowing Varun at all but found a “little weird”.
"Officers also spoke with Planet Fitness staff who indicated that (the stabbed man) was a regular gym member and generally kept to himself, was quiet and reserved, nothing indicating that he was 'creepy,'" police said, according to the report.
He maintained that Varun did not stand or initiate any physical contact throughout the fight.
The only physical contact when the victim pushed him away when the accused had already launched an attack.
Andrade, who claims to have been a former high school football player and able to bench-press 260 pounds, described Varun as being "pretty little", the report said.
He continued to claim that he acted in self-defense and he only eliminated a threat with his knife, a tool he typically uses to open boxes at work.
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