Indian student Neel Acharya found dead at Prude University campus in US
Indian Student Neel Acharya studying at Prude University in the United States of America was found dead on the college's campus on 28th January. Neel Acharya was a double major in computer science and data science at the John Martinson Honors College of Purdue University.
On Sunday, Neel's mother Gaury Acharya, had appealed in a post on X, "Our son Neel Acharya is missing since yesterday Jan 28 (12:30 AM EST) He is studying at Purdue University in the US. He was last seen by the Uber driver who dropped him off at Purdue University. We are looking for any info on him. Please help us if you know anything."
The Consulate General of India in Chicago replied to her post, saying, "Consulate is in touch with Purdue University authorities and also with Neel's family. The consulate will extend all possible support and help."
He was seen getting down from a vehicle and reached the University campus but after that there was no information about him for over a day. When her mother raised inquires regarding her missing son. Neel Acharya's dead body was found at the University premises. The dead body has been identified as Neel Acharya and the family has also been informed regarding the tragic incident.
According to the Tippecanoe County Coroner's Office, officials were called around 11:30 AM on 28th January to 500 Allison Road in West Lafayette where an unidentified dead body was found in Prude University's campus.
On 29th January, an email addressed to Prude University's computer science department head Chris Clifton informed the students and faculty of Neel Acharya's tragic death.
Chris Clifton, in the university’s post said Neel was a driven individual and academically. Clifton said “He aspired to pursue numerous academic achievements and shared profound connections with friends. He was very proud of and cared deeply for his brothers at Triangle Fraternity. Neel could be counted on to reach out to others and make them feel included. He was an achiever and an includer, with his: most notable qualities being genuine kindness and unwavering compassion.”
Indian student Vivek Saini brutally killed
Earlier the prior week only another Indian student Vivek Saini who had recently received an MBA degree in the United States of America was brutally killed by a homeless man by battering several blows by a hammer in a store in Lithonia, Georgia, US. This incident was caught on camera and video of this incident had gone viral on the internet and it was horrifying to watch. His dead body was sent to India on 24th January.
Vivek Saini had moved to the US from Haryana in search of a well-to-do job in order to support his family. He was working part time at the Chevron Food Mart at Snap finger and Cleveland Road in Georgia's Lithonia. The accused is Julian Faulkner, a 53 year old homeless man who has been offered a shelter at the store by the employees. This incident took place when Saini asked the man to leave the store. But the old man attacked him with a hammer.
Are Indian students unsafe abroad
Two Indian students have been killed in a fortnight in the United States of America. Investigations on such tragic and shocking incidents are much awaited. Incidents like this showcase the lawlessness and lack of security for Indian origin students in the US.
Previous year in October 2023, Varun Raj Pucha, a 24 year old Indian student, pursuing a Computer science course at Valparaiso University was brutally stabbed in the head by Jordan Andrade at a fitness centre in Indiana.
In November 2023, Aadtiya Adlakha, another 26 year old Indian student pursuing a PhD at Cincinnati Medical School was shot dead in his car in Ohio.
The Consulate General of India in Atlanta said, "We are deeply anguished by the terrifying, brutal, and heinous incident that led to the death of Indian national/student Vivek Saini and condemn (the) attack in the strongest terms. It is understood that the US authorities have arrested the accused and are investigating the case, "It further added, “The Consulate got in touch with the family of Saini immediately after the incident, provided all consular assistance in sending the mortal remains back to India and remains in touch with the family.”
