NEW DELHI, April 8 (Xinhua) -- A 26-year-old Indian national working in the United States was shot dead by armed robbers, officials said Saturday.
Vikram Jaryal hailing from Punjab was working at a gas station.
"I have received a report on the shootout incident resulting in the tragic death of Indian national Vikram Jaryal in Washington State USA," Indian foreign minister Sushma Swaraj wrote on Twitter on Saturday. "The victim was only 26 years old and had reached US only 25 days back."
According to Swaraj, on early Thursday at 1:30 a.m. (local time), miscreants entered the shop, snatched cash from the victim and shot in his chest.
Reports said authorities would be exploring whether the killing was related to hate crime.
"We are coordinating with the investigative agencies. They have got the CCTV footage and are in the process of apprehending the culprits," she wrote. "Our consulate in San Francisco is helping the family and following this up with the police authorities."