The 25-year-old Indian student from Hyderabad who had gone missing in the US, was found dead, the Indian consulate in New York said on Tuesday. The student, Mohammed Abdul Arfath, had been missing for nearly three weeks.
Did you know The Theorist also has a WhatsApp channel? Click here to follow us on WhatsApp
Taking to X, the Consulate General of India, New York, said, “Anguished to learn that Mr. Mohammed Abdul Arfath, for whom search operation was underway, was found dead in Cleveland, Ohio. Our deepest condolences to Mr Mohammed Arfath’s family. @IndiainNewYork is in touch with local agencies to ensure thorough investigation into Mr Mohammed Abdul Arfath’s death. We are extending all possible assistance to the bereaved family to transport his mortal remains to India.”
Anguished to learn that Mr. Mohammed Abdul Arfath, for whom search operation was underway, was found dead in Cleveland, Ohio.
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
— India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) April 9, 2024
Mohammed Saleem, father of Mohammad Abdul Arfath, mentioned that their last conversation took place on March 7, after which Arfath’s mobile phone remained switched off. Subsequently, on March 19, Saleem received a call from an unidentified person, informing him that Mohammad Abdul Arfath had been abducted by a drug-selling gang and demanded a ransom of $1,200.
Speaking to a news agency, Saleem had said, “I got a call from an unknown number, and the caller informed me that my son (Mohammad Abdul Arfath) had been kidnapped and demanded money. The caller did not mention the mode of payment. When I asked the caller to let us talk to my son, he refused.”
The recent spate of deaths involving Indian students in the US is deeply concerning and has understandably left the Indian community shocked and worried. Each of these incidents underscores the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of students studying abroad.
Among the Indian students who have tragically died, 25-year-old Vivek Saini was fatally assaulted by a homeless drug addict, while 27-year-old Venkataramana Pittala lost his life in a watercraft accident. The cause of death for several other students remains unconfirmed.
As the US remains a preferred destination for Indian students seeking higher education opportunities, it’s imperative for both countries to work together to address any safety concerns and provide adequate support to students and their families.
Read all the World News, Business News, Sports News, Entertainment News, Business News and Opinion here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
