We are deeply saddened and outraged by the tragic death of Muna Pandey, a young Nepali nursing student who was shot and killed in her apartment in Houston, Texas. Our hearts go out to Muna’s family, friends, and community during this time of profound grief and loss.
Muna came to this country seeking a better future, only to have her life brutally cut short after being shot numerous times in her own home. Bobby Shah has been arrested and charged with her murder. The details of her acquaintance with the alleged killer remain unclear.
Muna’s loss of life is not only compounded by the rising epidemic of gender-based gun violence in our communities, but also compels us to confront the systemic failures that allow such harm to persist. In 2022, half of the South Asians lost to gender-based violence in the U.S. were victims of gun violence or homicide.* This tragedy calls for a collective response to dismantle the structures that perpetuate violence and to implement comprehensive solutions that prioritize prevention and guarantee safety for all survivors.
We remember Muna as a loving daughter and for the bright future she was pursuing in nursing, caring for and healing others. We support her family and community and extend our deepest condolences as they navigate this painful journey.
Sakhi remains committed to eradicating the root causes of gender-based violence and advocating for survivors’ rights. We provide vital services and resources to survivors of gender-based violence in several South Asian languages, including Nepali, Bengali, Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, and Gujarati.
Source: South Asian SOAR*
The Intersection: Gun Violence & Gender Based Violence
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or needs support, please contact Sakhi at (212) 868-6741 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 799-7233 for assistance.