Indian-origin woman from Gujarat killed in shooting at Virginia store, CCTV captures attack

A 45-year-old Indian-origin woman from Gujarat was shot dead during a suspected robbery attempt at a supermarket in the United States.

The incident took place at a store in the US state of Virginia, where the victim had reportedly been working for the past 10 years.

According to an NDTV report, the victim has been identified as Meghnaben Patel, a native of Jantral village in Gujarat’s Mehsana district. She is survived by her husband, Upendrabhai Patel, daughter Nakshiben and son Smith. Her parents, Karsanbhai Patel and Kapilaben, continue to live in the village.

Disturbing CCTV footage of the incident has surfaced online, showing an unidentified man entering the near-empty supermarket before opening fire on the woman at close range. The suspect was reportedly wearing animal-print tracks, a grey jacket and had covered his face.

The footage shows the man walking up to the counter and briefly speaking with Meghnaben Patel. Moments later, he appears to pull a gun from his pocket and fire at her. She collapses behind the counter after the first shot.

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The attacker then jumps over the counter and allegedly continues firing before fleeing the store. CCTV visuals also show a few store items falling to the floor as the suspect exits the premises.

The motive behind the attack is suspected to be robbery, though police have not yet officially confirmed further details.

According to the report, local police reached the spot soon after the shooting and cordoned off the area before launching an investigation. Authorities have also formed special teams to identify and arrest the suspect seen in the surveillance footage.

Police officials in Virginia are currently examining CCTV footage and other evidence collected from the scene as the search for the attacker continues. No arrests have been reported as of now.