A tragic incident occurred in Houston, Texas, on Monday when a 21-year-old Nepalese student, Muna Pandey, was found fatally shot in her apartment. Police believe the incident was an alleged robbery. The suspect, identified as 52-year-old Bobby Sinh Shah, was apprehended later that week during a traffic stop and has been charged with murder.
Pandey, a student at Houston Community College, had moved to the US from Nepal in 2021 to pursue her education. She had been out of contact with her family for several days prior to her death. Her mother, Anita, was trying to reach her before learning of the tragic news.
After receiving an anonymous tip about a body found in the residence, police arrived at the scene and discovered Pandey with multiple gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Two days later, police released a photograph of Shah captured on CCTV leaving Pandey’s apartment, leading to his eventual arrest.
The Nepalese Association of Houston is working with the Nepalese Consulate to assist Pandey’s mother in traveling to Houston. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover funeral expenses and travel costs for Pandey’s mother, allowing her to be present for her daughter’s final farewell. The page has already raised nearly $30,000, demonstrating the outpouring of support from the community. The GoFundMe page states: “We are reaching out to our community to help bring Anita to the United States so she can say goodbye to her only child and give Muna the farewell she deserves. The funds will be used to cover Muna’s funeral expenses and to bring her mother to Houston for the final rituals.”
This tragic incident has shaken the community and brought attention to the dangers faced by international students. The investigation into Pandey’s murder is ongoing.
