NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
UPDATE: According to some media outlets, the body found in Lake Erie Monday afternoon is that of missing Indian student Mohammed Arfath. Cleveland police officers were alerted to the body in the water near Voinovich Park around 2:30 p.m. Officers and Cleveland Fire marine units responded to the scene and found the victim in the water. The cause of death and how “the person” entered the water remains under investigation, said police.
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Cleveland, Ohio, April 9, 2024: In a tragic turn of events, Mohammed Abdul Arfath, a 25-year-old student from Hyderabad, India, who had been reported missing last month, was found dead in Cleveland, Ohio. The Consulate General of India in New York confirmed the news, extending their deepest condolences to Arfath’s family.
Arfath, pursuing a master’s degree in Information Technology at Cleveland University, Ohio, had not been in contact with his family since March 7. His disappearance had sparked concern among his relatives in India after they received a ransom call demanding $12,000 for his release. The caller had threatened to sell Arfath’s kidney.
Arfath’s family reached out to authorities both in the United States and in India. Cleveland police had issued a watch order for Arfath after his family filed a missing person complaint. The Indian Consulate in Chicago was also notified, with Arfath’s father, Mohammed Saleem, appealing to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for assistance.
The circumstances surrounding Arfath’s death remain unclear.
In a statement, the Consulate General expressed their commitment to supporting Arfath’s family during this difficult time, including facilitating the transportation of his remains back to India. They affirmed that they are in contact with local agencies to ensure that justice is served and the circumstances of Arfath’s death are thoroughly examined.
