• Source:JND
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Indian Students Death US:  A 25-year-old Indian student from Hyderabad was found dead in Cleveland in the United States on Tuesday, after which his family sought the centre's help in bringing his body back home. Mohammad Abdul Arfath, from Hyderabad's Nacharam, had gone to the US in May last year to study IT at Cleveland University. He had not been in touch with his family since March 7, after which the relatives of the family filed a missing person report with the police.

Sadness filled Arfath's home as news of his death spread in the neighbourhood. Relatives and friends turned up in large numbers to offer support to the family.

News of death received on Tuesday morning

Mohammed Saleem, Arfath's father, said that the family was informed of Arfath's passing during the early hours of Tuesday. They were informed that his body had been found in a lake, Saleem said.

"Early this morning we got information about my son's death. We don't have any other information (about the death). We have been told that efforts are on to send his body. I request the central government to bring back my son's body to India," Saleem told PTI.

Consulate General of India expresses grief over Arfath's death

Relatives of the deceased, who live in Virginia, have reached Cleveland, reported PTI. Meanwhile, the Indian Consulate General in New York expressed grief over the incident.

“Anguished to learn that Mr Mohammed Abdul Arfath, for whom search operation was underway, was found dead in Cleveland, Ohio,” the Consulate General of India in New York said in a post on X.

"Offering “deepest condolences” to Arfath's family." The Consulate said it is in touch with local agencies to ensure a thorough investigation into his death.

“We are extending all possible assistance to the bereaved family to transport his mortal remains to India,” it added.

Was Arfath murdered?

Saleem had previously said that Arfath, his only son, last talked to him on March 7, and since then, he hasn't reached out to the family. His phone has also been turned off.

Arfath's roommates in the US told his father that they had reported him missing to the Cleveland Police. However, on March 19, an unidentified person called Arfath's family, claiming that Arfath had been kidnapped by a group involved in selling drugs and asked for $1,200 to set him free.

The caller also threatened to sell Arfath's kidneys if the ransom wasn't paid, his father said.