Indian man accused of assaulting mother-daughter in US, biting toddler

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, the accused, identified as Atharva Vyas, allegedly attacked Gabriella Perez and her child on April 18.

The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement said in a statement, “Atharva Vyas, a 24-year-old Indian illegal alien, allegedly violently assaulted a mother named Gabriella Perez and her three-year-old daughter in a San Antonio park April 18. Vyas allegedly even bit the toddler and knocked out two of her teeth.”

Authorities alleged that Vyas first assaulted Perez, grabbing her by the hair. During the scuffle, the child -- who was in her arms—fell to the ground. He then allegedly attacked the toddler, causing “bodily and facial injuries”. Police said the child suffered bite marks and lost two teeth.

Vyas was arrested on April 18 following the incident. 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 United States.

“ICE lodged a detainer with local law enforcement asking them to turn Vyas over to ICE instead of releasing him into the community after he’s faced justice for his alleged crimes,” the agency said.

Authorities said Vyas had entered the US in 2023 on a student visa. According to DHS, he was arrested within three months of his arrival on the University of Texas campus for felony assault. His F-1 visa was later revoked in 2025.

Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis strongly condemned the incident. “This criminal illegal alien brutally bit this child and caused her to lose two teeth. This barbaric assault against this woman and her three-year-old in a park was completely preventable,” she said.

Bis further criticised earlier handling of the accused, stating, “The Biden administration NEVER should have released this animal following his arrest for assault. We are working with our partners in Texas to ensure this criminal illegal alien never roams free in American communities again.”

The case has drawn attention following strong statements from federal agencies, though the allegations against Vyas have not yet been tested in court.