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US authorities have accused Atharva Vyas of assaulting a woman and her three-year-old daughter at a San Antonio park. The case has drawn federal attention after ICE filed a detainer and officials questioned earlier custody decisions.
UPDATED: Apr 29, 2026 13:12 IST
A 24-year-old Indian national has been accused of violently assaulting a woman and her three-year-old daughter at a park in San Antonio, Texas, with US authorities alleging that the toddler was bitten during the attack, resulting in the loss of two teeth.
According to the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the accused, identified as Atharva Vyas, allegedly attacked Gabriella Perez and her child on April 18. The agency said Vyas first assaulted the woman, pulling her by the hair, during which the child -- who was in her arms -- fell to the ground.
Authorities alleged that he then assaulted the toddler, causing bodily and facial injuries. Police said the child sustained bite marks and lost two teeth in the incident.
Vyas was arrested on April 18 following the alleged assault. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said it has lodged a detainer with local law enforcement, requesting that he be handed over to the agency after he faces legal proceedings in the US.
In a statement, ICE described Vyas as an “illegal alien” and said he had entered the United States in 2023 on a student visa, which was later revoked in 2025. Authorities also said he had previously been arrested for felony assault on the University of Texas campus within months of his arrival.
Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis condemned the incident, alleging the assault was “completely preventable” and criticising earlier decisions related to his custody status.
The case has drawn attention following statements by federal agencies, though the allegations against Vyas are yet to be tested in court.
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Published By:
Priyanka Kumari
Published On:
Apr 29, 2026 13:12 IST
