Indian Student, 25, Found Dead In US, Went To Ohio In 2023 For Master’s

A 25-year-old Indian student Mohammed Abdul Arfath, who was declared missing has been found dead in Cleveland, Ohio, weeks after the Indian Consulate in the US said it’s working with law enforcement authorities to find him.

“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,” the Consulate General of India, New York, said in a post over X.

It added that it was in touch with local agencies to ensure thorough investigation into the student’s death. “We are extending all possible assistance to the bereaved family to transport his mortal remains to India,” it added.

Arfath had arrived in the US in May last year to pursue a Masters in IT from Cleveland University. He was presumed missing when his family was unable to get in touch with him, having last spoken to him on March 7. According to a PTI report, Arfath’s family received a ransom call from an unidentified person on March 19. The caller claimed that Arfath had been kidnapped by a gang selling drugs and demanded USD 1,200 to release him.

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Arfath’s father Mohammed Saleem said they last spoke on March 7 and then his phone was switched off. On March 19, Mr Saleem received a call from an unidentified person, who said Arfath had been kidnapped by a gang selling drugs and demanded $1,200.