The discovery of the deceased Indian student in Cleveland, USA, has brought another tragic episode to light within the Indian community residing there. Mohammad Abdul Arfath, a 25-year-old individual from Nacharam, Hyderabad, embarked on his journey to pursue a Master’s degree in IT at Cleveland University in May last year.
Expressing deep distress over the demise of Mohammad Abdul Arfath, the Consulate General of India in New York revealed the unfortunate news on X. In a statement, they conveyed their heartfelt condolences to Arfath’s family and assured their active involvement in coordinating a comprehensive inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his untimely passing.
Efforts are underway to facilitate the repatriation of his remains to India, with the Consulate pledging full support to the grieving family during this difficult time. The Consulate had previously collaborated with local law enforcement agencies in their search for the missing student.
Reports from WKYC 3News revealed that Arfath was last seen leaving his residence at Reserve Square on March 5, prompting concerns from Cleveland police regarding his safety. Descriptions provided by authorities portrayed Arfath as a 5’8″ individual weighing 150 pounds, with distinctive black hair and brown eyes, clad in a white t-shirt, red jacket, and blue jeans.
Further investigations disclosed that Arfath was no longer registered as a student at Cleveland State University since January 2024 and did not reside on campus during his enrollment. The university’s police department has been collaborating with local law enforcement to aid in the ongoing investigation.
Expressions of sympathy were conveyed from the university to Arfath’s loved ones, underscoring their commitment to support the investigative process. Arfath’s father recounted his last communication with his son on March 7, after which all attempts to reach him proved futile as his phone remained inactive.
Despite efforts by Arfath’s roommates to alert authorities, the family was later confronted with a distressing call from an anonymous individual claiming Arfath’s abduction and demanding a ransom of USD 1,200 for his release, with ominous threats of organ trafficking if their demands were not met.
Arfath’s distraught parents have appealed to the Indian government for assistance in locating and ensuring their son’s safe return. Similar incidents involving Indian students in the US have raised concerns about their safety and security in recent times.
The unfortunate demise of Uma Satya Sai Gadde in Ohio, the tragic loss of Amarnath Ghosh in Missouri, and the untimely deaths of Sameer Kamath, Vivek Taneja, Akul Dhawan, and Vivek Saini serve as grim reminders of the challenges faced by Indian students abroad.
In light of these distressing events, former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi has offered valuable advice to Indian students, urging them to exercise vigilance, adhere to local regulations, and abstain from activities that may jeopardize their well-being.
Efforts to support affected families and enhance safety measures are being spearheaded by organizations like TEAM Aid, which aims to provide guidance and assistance to Indian immigrants, including students and workers, to ensure their protection and well-being in foreign lands.
Despite these endeavors, concerns persist over the prevalence of drug abuse and other safety hazards faced by Indian students, highlighting the need for collective action to address these pressing issues and safeguard the welfare of the community abroad.