Houston, TX – The tragic death of 21-year-old Muna Pandey, a Nepali student pursuing her dreams in the United States, has sent shockwaves through the Nepali community both in the U.S. and abroad. Muna, who was discovered dead in her Houston apartment on Monday evening, was the victim of multiple gunshot wounds, according to Houston police. The circumstances surrounding her death remain under investigation, with no suspects identified as of yet.
A Promising Future Cut Short
Muna Pandey arrived in the United States in 2021 with aspirations to further her education at Houston Community College. Raised by her single mother, Anita Pandey Adhikari, in Bhojpur, Nepal, Muna’s journey to America was marked by her mother’s unwavering determination to provide her with better opportunities. Anita, who faced significant challenges after being rejected by her husband, worked tirelessly to ensure her daughter could pursue her dreams.
In Houston, Muna initially stayed with a friend from Nepal before moving into her apartment. Family sources revealed that she was in a relationship with a white American man, with whom she often shared photos and videos of their outings with her mother. However, Muna had also expressed concerns about the stability of the relationship, raising questions that now linger in the wake of her untimely death.
Muna’s death has left her friends, family, and the broader Nepali community devastated. Anita Adhikari, who is mourning the loss of her only child, has appealed to authorities to thoroughly investigate the case and bring the perpetrator to justice. The Nepali community in the United States has rallied behind her, calling for swift action.
“We demand justice for Muna Pandey, my dear friend and former roommate, who was tragically taken from us,” shared Orusha Niraula, Muna’s former roommate, in an emotional Facebook post. “She was shot in her own home in Houston, TX, and the pain of losing her in such a violent way is unbearable. We will not rest until those responsible for this senseless act are brought to justice.”
Orusha’s tribute also highlighted Muna’s vibrant personality, describing her as “full of life, kindness, and joy” with an infectious laughter that brightened every moment. The loss of such a bright young woman has left an indelible mark on those who knew her.
Unanswered Questions and Ongoing Investigation
Muna’s body was discovered after her phone had been unreachable for three days. While it was not uncommon for her to go offline for extended periods, her mother’s worst fears were confirmed when she did not hear from her daughter. Houston police responded to a call at 5:35 PM on Monday, finding Muna with a fatal gunshot wound to the chest at her West Airport Boulevard apartment.
According to a press release from the Houston Police Department (HPD), officers were alerted to the scene by an anonymous call. Paramedics pronounced Muna dead at the scene, and her body, which bore multiple gunshot wounds, was sent for autopsy. The HPD Homicide Division has yet to identify any suspects or determine a motive, and no weapon was found at the scene.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the case to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or speak anonymously with Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
A Plea for Justice
As the investigation continues, Muna’s mother and the Nepali community are calling for justice. “Muna deserves to be remembered for the incredible person she was, and we will continue to fight for the justice she deserves,” Orusha Niraula wrote in her tribute.
Muna Pandey’s life, full of promise and potential, was cut short in a senseless act of violence. Her death is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by international students and the need for justice to be served. The Nepali community stands united in grief, determined to see that Muna’s story does not end in tragedy alone, but in the pursuit of truth and justice.
