US: 'Missing' Indian student found dead in Ohio
What's the story
A 25-year-old student from Hyderabad, Mohammed Abdul Arfath was found dead in Cleveland, Ohio in the United States.
The Indian embassy in New York confirmed the tragic news.
Arfath moved to the US in 2023 to pursue his Master's degree at Cleveland State University.
His whereabouts were unknown for three weeks before his death was confirmed.
Arfath's death is the second within a week and 11th in a string of attacks involving Indian students in the US in 2024 alone.
Official statement
Embassy expresses sorrow over student's death
The Indian embassy expressed deep sorrow over Arfath's death, stating, "Anguished to learn that Mr. Mohammed Abdul Arfath, for whom search operation was underway, was found dead in Cleveland, Ohio."
The embassy offered condolences to the family and assured them of cooperation with local agencies for a comprehensive investigation into his death.
Twitter Post
Read the embassy's statement here
Anguished to learn that Mr. Mohammed Abdul Arfath, for whom search operation was underway, was found dead in Cleveland, Ohio.
— India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) April 9, 2024
Our deepest condolences to Mr Mohammed Arfath’s family. @IndiainNewYork is in touch with local agencies to ensure thorough investigation into Mr… https://t.co/FRRrR8ZXZ8
Disturbing details
Ransom call preceded student's death
Prior to Arfath's death, his father had received a ransom call demanding $1,200 for his son's safe return.
The anonymous caller threatened to sell Arfath's kidneys if the ransom wasn't paid.
The Indian consulate had been working with local law enforcement authorities since last month to locate the missing student.
Disturbing pattern
Rising concern over deaths of Indian nationals in US
Arfath's death marks the eleventh case this year involving the death of an Indian national in the US, and the second within a week.
A majority of these victims were students.
This alarming trend has sparked significant concern among Indian students studying in the US and their families back home.
Among those who tragically lost their lives were 25-year-old Vivek Saini, who fell victim to a homeless drug addict, and 27-year-old Venkataramana Pittala, who died in a watercraft accident.