The deaths of 11 Indian and Indian-origin students in the US in 2024 have sparked safety fears and prompted a call for preventive action from US authorities. These tragic incidents, which occurred under various circumstances, have raised concerns about the safety and well-being of Indian students pursuing education in the United States.
The reasons behind these deaths vary, ranging from suspicious shootings, kidnappings, and environmental accidents to potential hate crimes. A prominent diaspora body has conducted a study on these incidents and urged various agencies of the US government, universities, and student associations to address the spike in deaths among Indian-origin students.
The recent case of Mohammad Abdul Arfath, a 25-year-old Indian-origin student whose body was found in Ohio after being missing for a month, highlights the urgency of the situation. His death adds to the tally of Indian students who have lost their lives in the US this year.
Notable cases include Vivek Saini, who was tragically killed in Georgia, and Gattu Dinesh and Nikesh, who died in Connecticut due to a gas leak. Other students like Neel Acharya, Akul Dhawan, Shreyas Reddy Benigeri, and Sameer Kamath have also met untimely deaths, raising serious concerns about student safety.
Beyond these incidents, Indian students in the US may also face bias-motivated incidents, including hate crimes and discrimination. While there is no immediate evidence linking these deaths to discrimination, rising concerns about Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bias have been flagged by Indian-origin lawmakers in the US.
The recent tragedies involving Indian students highlight the need for urgent action to ensure the safety and well-being of international students in the US. Preventive measures must be implemented to address these issues and prevent further loss of life among young Indian people pursuing educational opportunities in America.
