DALLAS: A brutal murder in Texas has triggered outrage and political debate after Indian-origin motel owner Chandra Nagamalliah was beheaded by his employee, Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, an undocumented Cuban immigrant with a prior criminal record.
According to police affidavits, Cobos-Martinez chased Nagamalliah with a machete after a dispute over a broken washing machine, repeatedly stabbing and cutting him. Nagamalliah’s wife and son tried to intervene but were pushed aside as the assault continued. The attacker decapitated Nagamalliah, kicked his head into the parking lot, and later placed it in a dumpster. He admitted to the killing during questioning and remains in custody.
The gruesome case has sparked political backlash, particularly on social media, where Indian-American politicians across party lines — including Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal, Shri Thanedar, and Vivek Ramaswamy — were criticized for not publicly condemning the murder.
“When it’s time for virtue signaling, they’re loud. When it’s time to stand up, they go silent,” one user posted. Another argued that the muted response reflected bias: “If the victim were of a different skin colour, America would be outraged.”
The Consulate General of India in Houston expressed condolences, saying it was in touch with Nagamalliah’s family and coordinating with Dallas Police.
