The family of Akshay Guptaa promising health tech entrepreneur from India, is still grappling with the aftermath of a senseless tragedy that occurred on an Austin bus. One year after the incident, they remain in a very bad stateseeking answers and justice for their beloved son and brother.
The attack took place on May 14, 2026, near the intersection of Barton Springs Road and South Lamar Boulevard. Gupta, who was in Austin on a special work visa for his exceptional expertise, was stabbed at random by a suspect who has since been deemed incompetent to stand trial. This legal development has left the Gupta family in a state of limbo, struggling to come to terms with their loss.
The Life and Legacy of Akshay Gupta
Akshay Gupta was more than just a victim; he was a brilliant individual with a heart of gold. His brother, Ankur, described him as a one in 1,000 personhighlighting his exceptional work ethic, charisma, and kindness. Gupta was developing innovative technology to assist senior citizens with walking and balance, a testament to his commitment to improving lives.
His mother, Manju, remembered him as a brilliant boy who was always helping others. “He was a brilliant boy. So talented. Exceptional. Always helping others. Always worrying about us,” she said through tears. Gupta’s friends echoed these sentiments, describing him as a sharing person with a giving heart.
The Incident and Its Aftermath
Around 6:45 p.m. on the fateful day, multiple people called 911 to report a stabbing on the bus. Officers arrested suspect Deepak Kandel near the bus shortly after the attack. According to Kandel’s arrest affidavit, he admitted to the incident and told police he stabbed Gupta because he looked like his uncle, who had died previously.
Kandel, who has a deep history of mental health struggles and was homeless, was found incompetent to stand trial in August of last year. The Gupta family, trying to process this case from half a world away, is struggling to accept this outcome. “The stressful part is he wasn’t even talking to another person. He was just killed from behind for no reason,” Ankur said.
The Legal Process and Mental Health Evaluations
Court records show that Kandel has a criminal history dating back to. On May 13, 2026, the courts ruled to extend Kandel’s time at the state mental hospital by six months. Evaluations will continue periodically until he regains competency. Sometimes, this never happens.
Records pertaining to Kandel’s mental health are legally sealed to protect individuals experiencing mental illness. This has left the Gupta family with more questions and little context. “The system should be improved so no other family has to experience this type of pain in the future,” Gupta’s father, Ashok, said.
The Family’s Fight for Justice and Change
The Gupta family is not only mourning the loss of their loved one but also advocating for changes in the system. They have filed a civil lawsuit alleging negligence by the bus operator and the driver. The family is calling for stronger checks on who boards buses and for better community mental-health options, arguing that the system failed both their loved one and the public.
The killing has reignited a heated debate over safety on Austin’s buses and how transit policing should work. CapMetro has pointed to planned operational changes detailed on its website, but some drivers and riders remain deeply worried about violence on board.
From thousands of miles away, the Gupta family says time and legal technicalities offer little comfort as they mourn. Court documents indicate that evaluations will continue periodically until Kandel is either restored to competency or the legal process moves forward in another way, leaving both the case and the family’s search for answers unresolved for now.
