“Friend, Are You Okay?” Indian Motel Owner Killed in Pittsburgh After Showing Kindness

Pittsburgh, (The Uttam Hindu): In yet another chilling attack on an Indian-origin citizen in the United States, 51-year-old motel owner Rakesh Ehgaban was shot dead at point-blank range outside his property in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His only “mistake” — showing concern and asking a man involved in an argument, “Are you okay, friend?”

According to the Robinson Township Police, the incident occurred outside Rakesh’s motel on Friday afternoon. The accused, 37-year-old Stanley Eugene West, was seen arguing with a woman in the motel’s parking lot. Hearing the commotion, Rakesh stepped outside to defuse the situation. Surveillance footage shows Rakesh calmly asking the armed man if he was okay — moments before Stanley pulled the trigger and shot him in the head, killing him instantly.

Investigations revealed that just before murdering Rakesh, the suspect had shot his female companion in the neck while she sat in her car with a child. Despite her injuries, the woman managed to drive to a nearby auto service center for help. She is in critical condition, while the child escaped unharmed.

After shooting Rakesh, the gunman fled in a U-Haul van, leading to a dramatic police chase through Pittsburgh’s East Hills area. During the confrontation, Stanley opened fire at police officers, injuring one of them. In response, police shot and subdued him before taking him into custody. He is currently hospitalized and faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder and attempted homicide.

Authorities have confirmed that the attack was deliberate and unprovoked, further deepening concerns over the safety of Indian-origin residents in the U.S. This shocking murder comes just weeks after 50-year-old Chandramouli Nagamalliah, another Indian motel owner, was brutally killed in Dallas following a dispute over a washing machine.

The series of such incidents has sparked outrage and fear within the Indian community, prompting calls for stronger protection measures and hate-crime accountability.