New Delhi: Varun Raj Pucha, a 24-year-old Indian computer science student at Valparaiso University in Indiana, tragically succumbed to injuries after being stabbed in the head at a fitness center on October 29. Pucha took his last breath on Wednesday in a hospital where he was undergoing medical treatment.
“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.
The accused has been identified as Jordan Andrade (24) who was charged with attempted murder and aggravated battery. He said that he felt threatened by Varun, whom he found “a little weird.”
Andrade alleged that he acted in self-defense. He informed the police that he never interacted with Varun but “someone” told him the the latter was “threatening.”
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The accused said he walked into the massage room and found Varun there. Though he had never conversed with Varun, Andrade felt “a little wierd” with him. Due to which, he “just reacted” as he told the cops.
Andrade is a former high school football player, portrayed Varun as the aggressor, stating the victim attempted to push him away after Andrade initiated the attack. Andrade, who used a knife he usually carried for work purposes, provided a minimal explanation of the incident, expressing reluctance to divulge further details.
Valparaiso University expressed condolences, organizing a memorial service for Varun on November 16th. The university emphasized its support for Varun’s family, who hailed from Telangana’s Khammam district, where he began pursuing a Master’s in computer science in August 2022.