Classical dancer from Kolkata shot dead in St. Louis

The Consulate General of India in Chicago has taken up strongly the case of Amarnath Ghosh, the Kuchipudi dancer from Kolkata, who was shot dead in St. Louis, Missouri, last week, with the authorities.

Ghosh, 34, who was getting his master’s in the Performing Arts Department of Washington University in St. Louis, was shot several times just after 7 pm as he walked across the 5100 block of Delmar near Clarendon, on February 26, according to Police. Ghosh died in the street. His killer has not been caught so far.

The Indian consulate posted that it is extending all help to relatives of Ghosh. It has also “taken up the case strongly with St. Louis police and the University for investigation of the reprehensible gun attack,” the Consulate posted adding, “We are following up forensic investigation with police & providing support.”

Consulate is extending all help to relatives of deceased Amarnath Ghosh. Taken up the case strongly with St Louis police and the University for investigation of the reprehensible gun attack. @IndianEmbassyUS @MEAIndia

— India in Chicago (@IndiainChicago) March 2, 2024

Ghosh left his home in India about a year ago and moved to St. Louis to follow his dancing dreams, 5 On Your Side, a local news site reported citing friends.

“He was very nice, very friendly and very talented,” Hima Kuppa, a friend was quoted as saying.

“He was traveling a lot for his performances. A lot of organizations called him for performances, but he always wanted to come back to St. Louis,” Ravi Kuppa, another friend, said.

“He was learning ballet and dance. I think it was a full scholarship at Wash U. His ultimate dream was to get his Ph.D. in dance and work full-time with us at our Kuchipudi Art Academy,” Hima said.

Ghosh also enjoyed volunteering as a dance instructor at Just Dancing Studios in West St. Louis County. Ghosh also taught kids between the ages of 5 and 18.

“Dance was his passion. Every kid loved him. He had a really good way to jell with kids and be a kid. We all loved him,” Hima said.

“He was passionate about what he was doing. He had lots of dreams,” Ravi said.

“He was harmless. I think it’s ( the place where he was shot) about a mile away from his apartment. He loves to jog and the weather was good so maybe he went for a jog or a walk. We don’t know,” Hima said.

“It’s heartbreaking to know what happened,” Hima said.

“It’s a big shock. A really big shock to all of us,” Ravi said.

His friends said Ghosh was an only child. His mother died three years ago and his father died when he was a child.

Police have not released any further new information about the case.

“It’s not at all right. He had so many followers on Instagram. He had so many reels on dance. He was such a happy person with a very bright future. Someone did this to him and the police should catch them,” Hima said.

In a note to all Washington University students, faculty and staff, Anna “Dr. G” Gonzalez, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, shared “the tragic news of the death of one of our students.”

“We have been informed that Amarnath Ghosh, a graduate student in the Performing Arts Department in Arts & Sciences, died after being shot during an incident that took place in an off-campus St. Louis neighborhood earlier this week.”

“We do not have many details regarding the crime, as the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigation is ongoing. There are no words to express the pain and anguish Amarnath’s family and friends are experiencing. His death is a terrible shock to us all.

“This type of senseless violence is beyond comprehension and we are devastated by this loss. To have this happen in our own St. Louis community is especially heartbreaking.

“We have been in communication with Amarnath’s close contacts to offer our support and assistance following this tragic event,” the note added. “We mourn with Amarnath’s family and friends and send our heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved him.”

A GoFundMe set up for Ghosh said enough funds had been collected to cover Amarnath’s funeral expenses. Moving forward, any additional contributions will be directed towards honoring Amarnath’s legacy.

“Whether it’s supporting a cause dear to his heart or establishing a memorial, we want to ensure that Amarnath’s impact continues to be felt positively in the world,” Sujatha Vinjamuri and Himabindu Kuppa of Kuchipudi Art Academy wrote.

Anyone who has any information about the incident is asked to call the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Division at (314) 444-5371 or anyone with a tip who wants to remain anonymous and is interested in a reward can contact Crime Stoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477).