'Missing' Indian student found dead in Ohio

Ohio : An engineering student from India, Mohammed Abdul Arfath, who had gone missing in Ohio of the United States, has been found dead in Cleveland area. Expressing anger over the development, the Indian Consulate said that it was in touch with the local authorities for the investigation into the death of the student.

It must be noted that it was the second such event within a week and 11th such attack on an Indian student in 2024 alone.

"Anguished over the death of a 25-year-old Indian student, Mr. Mohammed Abdul Arfath, for whom search operations were underway," said the Indian Consulate.

“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," it added.

Mohammed Abdul Arfath, hailed from Hyderabad and went to the US last year in May to complete his Masters in IT from Cleveland University. He had last contacted his family on March 7th, and since then his mobile has been switched off.

Arfath's roommate has informed the family that they have lodged a missing complaint with the Cleveland Police. On March 19th, his family received a ransom call demanding USD 1200 to release him. He also threatened his family to sell his kidneys if the demand was not met.

On April 9, the Indian Consulate informed that they had found Arfath's dead body.