Spate of Tragedies Strikes Indian Students in the US

February 02, 2024: In a series of distressing incidents, the Indian community in the United States faces yet another tragedy as a fourth Indian student has lost their life within the span of three weeks. The most recent victim, 19-year-old Shreyas Reddy Benigeri, was a student at the Linder School of Business in Ohio. Despite his parents residing in Hyderabad, Shreyas held an American passport. The Indian Mission in New York has voiced its concern over this alarming trend, demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Shreyas’ untimely demise.

The authorities, however, have ruled out any conspiracy or foul play in connection with Shreyas Reddy Benigeri’s death. The Indian Embassy in New York expressed its condolences, stating, “Deeply saddened by the unfortunate death of Shreyas Reddy Benigeri, a student of Indian origin from Ohio. Police are investigating the matter. Police do not find anything suspicious at this time. The embassy is in touch with the family and is providing all possible assistance.”

This tragic incident follows the discovery of the body of another Indian student, Neil Acharya, who went missing in America. Neil, hailing from Pune, studied at Purdue University. His mother, Gauri Acharya, sought help through social media as Neil went missing. Subsequently, Neil’s lifeless body was found on the university premises.

The spate of tragedies also includes the recent murder of Vivek Saini in Lithonia, Georgia. The assailant brutally beat the Indian student to death with a hammer, and a video of the incident circulated widely on social media. Moreover, earlier in January, Akul Dhawan was found dead outside the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). Post-mortem results indicated that hypothermia caused his demise. Akul’s parents have filed a complaint, accusing the university of negligence during their son’s disappearance.

With more than 3 lakh Indian students studying in the United States, concerns are mounting over the safety and well-being of the community. Experts point to factors such as mental stress, loneliness, and substance abuse as potential dangers for students. As these tragic events unfold, the Indian community in the US and authorities are grappling with the need for increased vigilance and support for the well-being of Indian students studying abroad.