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The body of a 25-year-old Indian student, who had been missing since last month, was discovered in Cleveland, Ohio, marking the second death within a week in the country as the community copes with a series of such tragedies.

 

Mohammad Abdul Arfath, originally from Nacharam, Hyderabad, arrived in the US in May last year to pursue a Master's degree in IT from Cleveland University.

 

“Anguished to learn that 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.

 

Last month, the Consulate said it was working with local law enforcement authorities to locate the Indian student.

 

As reported by WKYC 3News last week, Arfath departed from his residence at Reserve Square on March 5 and has not returned since. Cleveland police expressed concerns for his safety, according to the news outlet. The police had issued a "missing person" alert for Arfath, describing him as 5'8" tall, 150 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, a red jacket, and blue jeans.

 

According to a report by WKYC 3News, Cleveland State University released a statement indicating that university records showed Arfath "was no longer a registered Cleveland State student as of January 2024, nor did he live on campus while attending Cleveland State." 

 

Arfath's father, Mohammed Saleem, stated that Arfath last communicated with him on March 7, after which he lost contact with his family. Additionally, Arfath's mobile phone has been switched off.

 

Arfath’s roommates in the US had informed his father that they had lodged a missing persons complaint with Cleveland Police. However, on March 19, Arfath’s family received a call from an unidentified person, who claimed that Arfath had been kidnapped allegedly by a gang selling drugs and demanded USD 1,200 to "release" him.

 

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