Ottawa, Canada: Pilli Phanikumar, a native of Chattivanipalem in Gajuwaka, tragically passed away in his room in Calgary, Canada, on December 14. Phanikumar, who had traveled to Canada in August 2024 to pursue his MS at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) College, was discovered deceased by his roommate. The roommate informed Phanikumar’s parents about the incident early that morning.

The heartbreaking news plunged the Chattivanipalem neighborhood into deep sorrow, as family members and locals mourned the young man's untimely demise. TDP state president and Gajuwaka MLA, Palla Srinivasa Rao, extended his support by advising Phanikumar’s father, Pilli Nagaprasad, to take steps to bring his son’s body back to India.

Additionally, MP Bharath reached out to the district collector, requesting prompt action to ensure justice and assistance for Phanikumar’s grieving parents. The family has appealed to the Chief Minister and the government to facilitate the repatriation of their son’s body to India. They have also requested Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu to intervene and ensure proper arrangements are made for Phanikumar’s final journey to his hometown.