Slain BU student identified as Kanagala Seshadri Rao from India

Boston University Saturday identified the graduate student shot to death early Thursday morning in Allston as Kanagala Seshadri Rao, a 24-year-old from India who enrolled in a highly selective management program last fall.

Rao had been shot in the head and leg and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to university officials and the police. No arrests have been made. Boston police and university officials are investigating.

“Our prayers go out to the Rao family and friends,’’ BU President Robert A. Brown said in a statement. “We are all deeply saddened by his death.’’

According to Boston police, officers arrived at the scene early Thursday morning and found Rao lying on the street in a residential area off campus.

The shooting has devastated students and faculty and cast a pall over the university of more than 31,000 students at a time when prospective students are touring campus to decide whether to enroll.

Kenneth W. Freeman, dean of the School of Management, described Rao as a bright young man who attracted many friends and won the respect of faculty and staff with his “positive, can-do’’ attitude. Everyone knew him by his nickname, “Sesh.’’

“Sesh was a wonderful student here and he was also a wonderful representative of the school of management,’’ Freeman said in a telephone interview Saturday. “He was an exceptional student in the mathematical finance program. He was also a student of the highest integrity.’’

He added, “The School of Management community is deeply saddened by this very tragic loss.’’

Rao enrolled last fall in a 17-month program to earn a master’s of science in mathematical finance. More than 1,000 people apply from all over the world every year and only 50 enroll, Freeman said. Many graduates go on to careers on Wall Street, he said.

About a week and a half ago, Freeman gave a lecture on mathematical finance and the importance of leadership in business in one of Rao’s classes.

Rao, Freeman recalled, was “deeply engaged,’’ peppering him with “pointed, relevant questions.’’

Boston University authorities say they have stepped up patrols in the campus area and are urging anyone with information to contact Boston police at 1(800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463).

Boston University officials say they are providing counseling to anyone in the community who needs support.

Officials are also seeking to reassure parents in the United States and abroad that homicide is rare in the university community. BU attracts a significant number of foreign students such as Rao.

Brown, the university president, sent an email to prospective students explaining the tragedy and reassuring them that the campus is generally safe.

“This appears to be an isolated incident,’’ Brown said in a statement. “I want to assure all students, whether they live on campus or off campus, that public safety is a priority for this institution.’’

Kenneth Elmore, dean of students, said he is also addressing the issue during open house meetings with prospective students and their parents.

“People are sad,’’ Elmore said. “Anytime a young person loses their life, especially like this, that is very sad.’’