Indian embassy confirms death of Hyderabad student Mohammed Abdul Arfath

In a somber update that has cast a shadow over the Indian diaspora in the United States, the Indian embassy in New York confirmed the death of a 25-year-old student, Mohammed Abdul Arfath, on Tuesday, April 9. Arfath, who hailed from Hyderabad, India, and was pursuing a Master’s degree at Cleveland State University, had been missing for almost three weeks before this tragic confirmation. The Indian student’s disappearance and subsequent death have reignited concerns about the safety of Indian students in the US.

The embassy’s announcement came with a profound expression of grief. “Anguished to learn that Mr. Mohammed Abdul Arfath, for whom a search operation was underway, was found dead in Cleveland, Ohio. Our deepest condolences to Mr. Mohammed Arfath’s family,” stated the embassy on X, a social media platform. The embassy further highlighted its ongoing efforts to assist the bereaved family, saying, “@IndiainNewYork is in touch with local agencies to ensure a 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.”

Mohammed Abdul Arfath is the 11th Indian national reported dead in the United States this year, a statistic that has become increasingly alarming. The majority of these incidents have involved students, raising serious concerns about their safety. Earlier this year, other tragic losses included Shreyas Reddy Beniger, Neel Acharya, Vivek Saini, and Akul Dhawan, each story adding to the growing unease among Indian students and their families in the US.

This series of unfortunate events unfolds against the backdrop of a significant rise in the Indian student population in the United States. Data from the 2022-2023 academic year shows that over 260,000 Indian students were admitted to US universities, marking a 35% increase from the previous year. This surge underscores the strong educational ties between India and the US but also brings to light the importance of addressing safety concerns for these international students.

The recurring pattern of deaths among Indian students in the US necessitates a thorough investigation and a reassessment of the safety measures in place for international students. Educational institutions, along with local and federal law enforcement agencies, must work closely with diplomatic missions to create a safer environment for all students studying abroad. Strengthening support systems and ensuring that students are aware of the resources available to them can play a crucial role in preventing such tragedies in the future.

The loss of Mohammed Abdul Arfath is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that students face while pursuing education far from home. It calls for a collective effort to ensure their safety and well-being in foreign lands.