Arfath’s father Mohammed Saleem said the family received information (about Arfath's death) in the small hours of Tuesday.
Mohammad Abdul Arfath. (X)
The family of a 25-year-old student from Hyderabad, who was found dead in the US city of Cleveland, on Tuesday, 9 April, urged the central government to make necessary arrangements to bring his body back home.
Mohammad Abdul Arfath, hailing from Nacharam in Hyderabad, had gone to the US in May last year to pursue a Masters degree in IT from Cleveland University. The victim had not been in touch with his family in Hyderabad since 7 March following which a missing person complaint was lodged.
Meanwhile, a pall of gloom descended on Arfath’s residence here after the news of his death spread with relatives and friends turning up in large numbers.
Arfath’s father Mohammed Saleem said the family received information (about Arfath’s death) in the small hours of Tuesday and they were told that his body was found in a lake.
“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.
Arfath’s relatives, who stay in Virginia, have reached Cleveland.
In a post on X, the Consulate General of India in New York said, “Anguished to learn that Mr Mohammed Abdul Arfath, for whom search operation was underway, was found dead in Cleveland, Ohio.”
“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.
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. @IndiainNewYork is in touch with local agencies to ensure thorough investigation into Mr… https://t.co/FRRrR8ZXZ8
— India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) April 9, 2024
Saleem had earlier said that Arfath, who is his only son, last spoke to him on 7 March, and since then he has not been in touch with his family. His mobile phone is switched off as well.
Arfath’s roommates in the US had informed his father that a missing person complaint was lodged with Cleveland Police. However, on 19 March, 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 $1,200 to “release” him.
The caller also threatened to sell Arfath’s kidneys if the ransom wasn’t paid, his father said.
(Disclaimer: The headline, subheads, and intro of this report along with the photos may have been reworked by South First. The rest of the content is from a syndicated feed, and has been edited for style.)
May 19, 2024
May 19, 2024
May 19, 2024
May 19, 2024
May 19, 2024
May 19, 2024
