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Press Release: Different agencies, Universities as well as Students organizations should work towards addressing the spike in the deaths of Indian origin Students in the US
(If you are an Indian student currently studying in any university in the US, please visit the bottom of this page to fill the survey.)
Over a span of 4-5 months, a spike in tragic deaths of Indian students in the United States have raised significant concerns among them, the Indo-American community as well as Indian population. Dr. Lakshmi Thalanki from Boston, who collected data on the deaths of more than 10 students, noted, “The sudden surge of deaths among Indian students is alarming and suspicious”. Khanderao Kand, Chief of Policies and Strategy, analyzing the data, said, “Indian origin students, according to Open Doors Report (ODR) are ~275k, making 25% of total foreign students and bringing in $9B per year in terms of fees and expenses. However, recent increase in their deaths is concerning and, if not addressed, would impact their confidence in the safety in of US universities, potentially impacting the inflow of students further.” “
FIIDS analyzed the causes of these incidents and found that they range from suspicious shootings/kidnapping, environmental deaths due to lack of safety knowledge ( monoxide poisoning, hypothermia), mental issues triggering suicides, and even suspicious accidents to violent crimes. FIIDS would like to submit various recommendations to the Department of State, Department of Justice, Education Department, Universities, Student organizations as well as Indo-American community. Furthermore, due to the sudden rise in deaths that are suspicious in nature, rumors are circulating around Indian American community about potential hate crimes especially as many deaths are clustered around east and mid-west Universities, e.g. Cleveland Ohio, Illinois and Indiana. Some of them fear that the hate crimes are fueled by negative propaganda against the community. Even though FIIDS did not find any conclusive facts to support the rumors, they may need to be investigated to timely address their concerns.
FIIDS is also launching a survey of Indian American students regarding their concerns and safety (If you are an Indian student currently studying in any university in the US, please visit the bottom of this page to fill the survey.) It is necessary to understand the current situation and safety requirements of the international students, particularly those of Indian origin.
Recommendations:
To address various safety and well-being concerns faced by the international students, the following are some of the steps that should be taken proactively:
- Enhancing Safety Education: Many foreign students might not be fully aware of the potential risks they may encounter in a new environment, such as extreme weather conditions or the prevalent crime rates in certain areas. Providing comprehensive safety education programs tailored to their needs can empower them to navigate their surroundings safely and make informed decisions about their well-being.
- Improving Search and Rescue Procedures: Prompt response and effective search and rescue procedures are vital for ensuring the safety and well-being of students during emergencies or accidents. Enhancing these procedures can minimize response times and maximize the chances of positive outcomes in emergency situations, thereby safeguarding the lives of students.
- Implementing Stricter Rules Against Fraternity Ragging: Hazing and fraternity ragging pose serious risks to students’ physical and mental health, leading to accidents, injuries, and trauma. Implementing stricter rules and regulations against such practices can help prevent these incidents and create a safer, more inclusive campus environment for all students.
- Increasing Awareness of Risks and Safety: Many foreign students may be unfamiliar with the risks associated with living and studying in a new country, both on and off-campus. Increasing awareness of these risks and safety measures can empower students to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their peers from potential dangers, enhancing overall safety and well-being.
- Providing Mental Health Support: Foreign students, particularly those facing isolation or cultural adjustment challenges, may be at higher risk of mental health issues. Providing accessible and culturally sensitive mental health support services can help address these challenges, ensuring students receive the support needed to thrive academically and personally.
Additionally, investigating any hate crimes or conspiracies against Indian-origin foreign students, based on their ethnicity or religion, is essential to ensure justice, protect the rights of affected students, and prevent further discrimination or violence against minority communities. By addressing these issues proactively, universities and relevant authorities can create a safer and more inclusive environment for all students, fostering a conducive learning environment where everyone can thrive.
To further strengthen the recommendations and ensure the safety and well-being of Indian-origin students in the United States, additional steps should be taken to address hate crimes and rumors of conspiracies targeting this community:
- Universities:
- Introduce orientation programs and resources on safety for international students newly admitted to their universities
- Develop and implement comprehensive diversity and inclusion programs to promote tolerance and understanding among students from diverse backgrounds.
- Establish support networks and resources for victims of hate crimes, providing counseling, legal assistance, and advocacy services.
- Increase the budget for campus safety and security measures.
- Department of State:
- Collaborate with relevant agencies and foreign embassies to establish reporting mechanisms for hate crimes targeting Indian students.
- Provide guidance and support to consulates and diplomatic missions to assist victims of hate crimes and ensure their rights are protected.
- Department of Justice and FBI:
- Form a dedicated task force to investigate hate crimes against Indian-origin students and communities, ensuring thorough and impartial investigations.
- Enhance coordination with local law enforcement agencies to address hate crimes effectively and hold perpetrators accountable under existing laws.
- Investigate any connections or similarities in the incidents leading to any possible campaign of hate crimes or conspiracy.
- Foreign/Indian Students Organizations:
- Collaborate with local advocacy groups and civil rights organizations to raise awareness about hate crimes and provide support to affected students.
- Advocate for the introduction of cultural sensitivity training for campus security personnel and law enforcement officers.
- Community Engagement:
- Foster dialogue and collaboration between Indian-origin students, local communities, and law enforcement agencies to address concerns and build trust.
- Organize community events and forums to promote solidarity and mutual support among students and residents of Indian descent.
- Jointly all of above to Combat Misinformation:
- Launch educational campaigns to debunk misinformation and promote accurate understanding of Indian culture, traditions, and religions.
- Partner with media organizations, community leaders, and academic institutions to counter false narratives and stereotypes perpetuated against followers of Indian origin religions.
- Provide resources and training to empower students and community members to identify and challenge misinformation in their social circles and online platforms.
Overall, these recommendations aim to create a safer and more supportive environment for foreign students studying in the United States, promoting their well-being and academic success.
Case by Case Summary:
Nov 9, 2023: The University of Cincinnati, Ohio, a doctoral student, Aaditya Adlakha (Male 26) was found shot in a car on November 9th. The local police said Adlakha was found shot inside a car that crashed into a wall on the upper deck of the Western Hills Viaduct.ShotSpotter reported there was gunfire in the area around 6:20 a.m., police said. Drivers passing by called 911 to report a vehicle that had bullet holes in it, with a person inside who had been shot, officials said.Adlakha was taken to UC Medical Center and was in critical condition for several days. As per our knowledge, there have been No arrests made since the shooting was reported. The crime scene does not indicate burglary/theft. Potential Cause: Suspicious, hate crime or targeted killing or accidental (crossfire) shooting? Recommendation: Investigation needed to rule out any hate crime.
Detailed Cases of Recent Deaths of Indian origin Students in the US Universities:
Jan 15, 2024, Hartford, Connecticut: Two Indian students roommates, G Dinesh (Male 22) and Nikesh (Male 21), were discovered dead in their Connecticut accommodation in the United States, possibly dead due to Carbon Monoxide overdose from room heater. Cause: Accident, potentially due to lack of safety education. Recommendation: Safety education during new foreign students orientation
Jan 20, 2024: UIUC University of Urbana-Champaign, Illinois student Akul Dhawan (Male 18) died very close to the university campus. Authorities conducted an autopsy, revealing no signs of significant trauma but indicating changes in Dhawan’s skin consistent with hypothermia, a chilling detail given the harsh weather conditions at the time. Questions are raised about the adequacy of search and rescue procedures at the campus as well as apathy from the university. For example, the victim’s father, Ish Dhawan, shared that instead of helping on concerns, the university officials directed to file a complaint with the police. Cause: Accident. Recommendation: Universities need to improve assistance (during severe winter), awareness (safety).
Jan 22, 2024, Lithonia, Georgia, Vivek Saini (Male 25) was killed by a homeless man at Chevron Food Mart Cleveland Road in Lithonia where Vivek was working part time. Link: Indian student killed by homeless man in US, hit 50 times on head with hammer The incident was caught on camera and the accused, Julian Faulkner, was seen repeatedly hitting. Cause: Murder Recommendation: Awareness / education to foreign students on risks and safety in and outside campus.
Jan 28, 2024: Purdue University, Indiana student, Neel Acharya (male 19) was first reported missing and then found dead not far from the place where he was seen. An Uber driver had dropped him at the campus but then the student died due to asphyxia, with cold exposure and ethanol intoxication. Questions raised about search and rescue efforts that could have saved his life. Cause: Accident Recommendation: Awareness / education to foreign students on risks and safety in and outside campus as well as better search and safety resources and procedure.
Feb 1, 2024 Cincinnati, Ohio, Shreyas Reddy Beniger (Male 19), was discovered deceased in Cincinnati, Ohio, with speculation suggesting possible involvement of psychiatric concerns. Potential Cause: suicide. Recommendation: Mental health support for isolated young foreign students.
Feb 4, 2024, Chicago, IL: Indian Student In Chicago attacked by robbers Syed Mazahir Ali, (survived) A CCTV footage showed him being pursued by three of his attackers near his Chicago house. Four people attacked him when he was returning home. Cause: Robbery. Recommendation: Investigate any hate crime issue, also Improve in public Safety as well as provide safety education to foreign students.
Feb 5, 2024, Purdue University, Sameer Kamath (Male 23) was a post grad student found dead from gunshot wound. Potential cause: May be suicide by self-inflicted gunshot. Recommendation: Mental health as well as support (financial/job) needed for foreign students
Indian Student Found Dead 2. Grad student found dead in Warren County | Campus | purdueexponent.org
Feb 27, 2024 St Louis, Boston, PhD student, Amaranth Ghosh, was shot dead in St Louis when he had gone for a walk/jog in an unknown area where a local drug peddler (arrested) killed him with a gun. Recommendation: Safety education to international students.
April 5, 2024 Cleveland, Ohio, Uma Satya Sai Gadde was reported as dead. However, as of April 8th, the details are not available to analyze and recommend. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/concerns-spiral-as-another-indian-student-found-dead-in-the-us/articleshow/109095341.cms
April 8, 2024 Cleveland, Ohio, Mohammed Abdul Arafat (Male 25) who had been missing since March 7th found dead on April 8th as shared by India’s New York consulate. Mohammed’s parents had received a ransom call on March 21 demanding $12,000. Potential Cause: (potentially targeted) Kidnapping. Recommendation: Public safety and thorough investigation.
Compilation: Dr. Lakshmi Thalanki (Boston)
Analysis and Recommendations: Khanderao Kand (khanderao@fiids-usa.org)
Survey of Indian Students: ***This survey is only for the students.***
Press Coverage:
What is killing Indian-origin students in US – India Today
