A tragic turn of events has unfolded as a 25-year-old Indian student, Mohammad Abdul Arfath, originally from Nacharam, Hyderabad, was discovered deceased in the city of Cleveland, USA. Arfath, who had been missing since last month, was pursuing a Masters in IT at Cleveland University.

The Consulate General of India in New York expressed deep sorrow upon confirming the news of Arfath's demise. They assured full cooperation with local authorities to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding his death and facilitate the repatriation of his remains to India.

Arfath had last communicated with his family on March 7, and efforts to reach him since then had been unsuccessful. His mobile phone was switched off, raising concerns among his loved ones. The Consulate, along with local law enforcement agencies, had been actively involved in the search operation prior to this tragic discovery.

Adding to the distressing situation, Arfath's family had received a ransom call on March 19, alleging his abduction by a drug-trafficking gang. The caller demanded USD 1,200 for his release and issued threats regarding his safety. Arfath's father, Mohammed Saleem, recounted the harrowing experience of receiving the call and the desperate plea to ensure his son's safe return.

In light of these events, Arfath's parents have appealed to the Central government for assistance in locating and repatriating their son. They have also reached out to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for support during this trying time.

This tragic incident adds to a series of concerns regarding the safety and well-being of Indian students in the United States. Just last week, another Indian student, Uma Satya Sai Gadde, met an untimely demise in Ohio, further highlighting the pressing need for improved security measures and support systems for Indian students abroad.

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