What's behind mysterious deaths of Indian students in US

What’s behind mysterious deaths of Indian students in US

NEW DELHI: A series of tragic deaths among Indian students at US colleges has sparked widespread concern, highlighting broader issues of mental health and campus safety for international students.

In 2024, seven young men of Indian and Indian American descent have met untimely deaths under various circumstances, ranging from suspected suicides and overdoses to violent acts.

All men 25 years old and under, two died by suicide, two died of overdoses, two were found dead after going missing, and one was beaten to death, according to police records in states ranging from Connecticut to Indiana.

Here is a list of the recent deaths of Indian students in the US:

• Vivek Saini, a 25-year-old Indian student in the US, was killed in Georgia on January 3. He was working at a convenience store when a drug addict named Julian Faulkner hammered him to death. Saini was pursuing a master’s degree in computer science at the University of West Georgia.
• Neel Acharya, a 22-year-old Indian American student, was found dead in the Purdue University campus on January 17. He was a senior majoring in mechanical engineering. His body was recovered hours after his mother had reported him missing. The cause of death was not disclosed.
• Akul Dhawan, a 21-year-old Indian American student, was discovered dead outside the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign on January 18. He was a junior majoring in computer engineering. According to the coroner, the initial findings of the autopsy suggested he died from hypothermia.
• Sameer Kamath, a 25-year-old Indian American student, was found dead in a nature preserve in Indiana on January 23. He was pursuing a doctorate in mechanical engineering at Purdue University. He had completed his master’s degree in the same field from Purdue University in August 2023. The cause of death was not disclosed.
• Shreyas Reddy Benigeri, a 19-year-old Indian American student, was found dead in his dorm room at the Lindner School of Business in Ohio on January 31. He was a freshman majoring in finance. Authorities had ruled out foul play in the case.
• Gattu Dinesh and Nikesh, two Indian students in their early twenties, were found dead at their residence in Connecticut on February 6. They had arrived in the US on January 21 for higher studies. Media reports cited a gas leak as the cause of their deaths.

The spate of deaths has cast a spotlight on the safety and well-being of Indian students in the US, who often face high expectations from their families and themselves. Some of them may also encounter racism, discrimination, and violence in their surroundings.

Syed Mazahir Ali, a 23-year-old Indian student, was attacked by four armed robbers near his house in Chicago on February 4. He suffered serious injuries and was hospitalised. He was studying computer science at the Illinois Institute of Technology.

The Indian government and the Indian American community have urged the US authorities to ensure the security and justice for the victims and their families. They have also offered support and counseling to the distressed students and their relatives. Some of the students have also formed groups and networks to help each other and raise awareness about the issues they face.

Why it matters

These incidents have deeply impacted the South Asian community, both domestically and internationally, raising alarms about the safety and well-being of Indian students abroad.

The cases include the mysterious death of 19-year-old Neel Acharya at Purdue, the suicide of graduate student Sameer Kamath, and the violent killing of Vivek Saini in Georgia. Each incident has left peers and parents searching for answers and reassurance about the safety of their loved ones pursuing education in the US.

Experts point to the immense pressure faced by Indian students in the US, compounded by high expectations and cultural barriers to seeking mental health support. Yuki Yamazaki, a clinical assistant professor, highlights the unique challenges faced by young Indian men, a demographic less likely to seek help for mental health issues.

The big picture

Despite these tragedies, the allure of American higher education remains strong among Indian families, driven by the promise of prosperity and success. However, the recent spate of deaths is prompting some to reconsider the safety of studying abroad, potentially impacting future educational choices for students from the subcontinent.

(With inputs from agencies)

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