April 12 :
Concerned about the increasing number of "alarming and suspicious" incidents involving Indian students in the US, the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) has demanded a comprehensive investigation and punishment from the US Departments of State and Justice.
Cleveland University master's student Mohammad Abdul Arfath, 25, was the most recent casualty; he was reported missing on March 7 and was found dead on April 8 in the city of Cleveland, Ohio. Reports indicate that Arfath's father was the target of a $1200 USD ransom demand, and authorities are currently investigating his demise. Uma Satya Sai Gadde, another Indian student, was discovered dead in Cleveland three days before to Arfath's demise.
In light of these tragic losses, FIIDS has also launched a survey to learn more about the state of affairs and the safety needs of students in India.
"As we observed a spike in Indian students' deaths, we realised the necessity not only to bring to the attention of the US agencies but also to provide them with our analysis and recommendations. We noticed that all cases were handled locally without finding a solution to this emerging alarming sequence of deaths," added Khanderao Kand, chief of policies and strategy at FIIDS, in an interview with News India Times.
Labelling the increase as "alarming" Kand emphasised the importance of not just raising awareness and providing a support structure for the pupils, but also conducting investigations into any commonalities between the acts. Unattended, this matter could damage students' faith in the security of US universities, which could reduce enrollment, according to Kand. The Open Doors Report estimates that Indian students generate $9 billion USD annually in fees and expenses, making up 25% of all international students.
"The sudden surge of deaths among Indian students is alarming and suspicious," stated Dr. Lakshmi Thalanki of Boston, who collected data from over ten students who tragically passed away, in a statement released by FIIDS.
FIIDS investigated the causes of these occurrences and found that they range from dubious abductions and killings to environmental deaths caused by people not being cautious enough to avoid dangers like hypothermia and carbon monoxide poisoning. The data also linked suspicious accidents to violent crimes and mental health to suicides.
Although FIIDS did not find any concrete proof supporting the widespread "rumours of potential hate crimes" against Indians in the states of Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana, which have resulted in several deaths, the organisation asked authorities to investigate the topic further.
Currently, there is no evidence suggesting a concerted hate crime targeting the community, as Kand pointed out. But we also know that persistent misinformation or cultural distance might set off individual occurrences. Therefore, it is critical to look into the causes of such acts.
Universities, student groups, the Indian-American community, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Education have all received recommendations from FIIDS. A few suggestions include enhancing search and rescue efforts, bettering safety education, and
The following measures will be taken: rescue operations, stricter regulations against fraternity ragging, safety education, and mental health services.
"Relevant agencies and foreign embassies should collaborate with the State Department to establish reporting mechanisms for hate crimes targeting Indian students," FIIDS said in its recommendations. The group also sought "guidance and support to consulates and diplomatic missions to assist victims of hate crimes and ensure their rights are protected."
In addition, FIIDS has asked the DOJ to "form a dedicated task force to investigate hate crimes against Indian-origin students and communities, ensuring thorough and impartial investigations" and look for connections between the incidents that could point to a conspiracy or a string of hate crimes.
