Controversy erupted on social media after a video surfaced showing an Indian student in the United States displaying a handgun inside a convenience store. The viral clip features Akhilesh Chetla Ravi holding the weapon while radio chatter in the background can be heard mentioning “shots fired”. The video initially gained attention through his Snapchat handle.
People slammed the video and demanded his deportation. Shortly after the video went viral, posts shared with the video claimed that he stays in the US on an F-1 student visa. It also claimed that he is working illegally at the store shown in the video. Students who hold an F1 visa have strict laws against working outside the university and are not permitted to do unauthorised work.
The posts also questioned the legality of him possessing a firearm. According to federal law, non-immigrant visa holders (like F1) are usually prohibited from possessing firearms unless they fall under specific exceptions, such as having a valid hunting license.
Some users tagged US agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Others demanded an inquiry.
Instagram Account Switched To Private
Ravi is an Indian native and graduated from Hood College in Maryland last year. His LinkedIn profile mentioned that Ravi has been working at JPMorgan Chase as a software developer since September 2025.
His Instagram account, which was earlier a public account under the name @akhilesh.ch_98, was switched to private soon after the video went viral.
How Did The Netizens React?
The social media users demanded strict action against the man. A user commented, "He is not legally allowed to work outside the campus, I suppose."
Another wrote, "Good to see rampant Indian fraud is going mainstream." A third said, "Any student, especially a foreign one, wants to indulge in any activity other than books. Library and education should be deported immediately."