What is happening in US? Indian student went missing weeks back, found dead in Ohio

A 25-year-old student Mohammed Abdul Arfath from Hyderabad has been found dead after being missing for nearly three weeks. According to the information, Arfath moved to US in 2023 for Master’s degree at Cleveland State University. 

The Indian consulate earlier said that it was in constant touch with Arfath’s family and was working with the law enforcement agencies to track him. But this morning, the embassy informed that he has been found dead. 

Taking it to its social media handle, the Indian consulate has expressed grief on his death. The post reads, “Anguished to learn that Mr. Mohammed Abdul Arfath, for whom search operation was underway, was found dead in Cleveland, Ohio.”

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

Further, the consulate mentioned that they are extending all possible assistance to the bereaved family to transport his mortal remains to India.

According to the statement of Arfath's father, Mohammed Saleem, he last spoke to his son on March 7 and since then his mobile phone was switched off. After that, on March 19, Saleem received a call from an unidentified person, who asked for ramson money of $1,200 and said that Arfath had been kidnapped by a gang selling drugs.

It is worth to be noted that the US has always been a favorite destination for Indian students to pursue higher studies. However, several Indian students have been reported dead, which has shocked the nation. Among the students who have died this year, Vivek Saini, a 25-year-old Vivek Saini was hammered to death by a homeless drug addict and Venkataramana Pittala, 27-year-old died in a watercraft accident. However, the cause of death of several students is yet to be ascertained.