HYDERABAD: An Indian student from Hyderabad, Mohammed Abdul Arfath, who was reported missing in Cleveland, Ohio, has been found dead.
The 25-year-old Abdul Mohammed Arfath had been missing since March 7. He was pursuing a master's degree in IT from Cleveland University.
"Anguished to learn that Mr. Mohammed Abdul Arfath, for whom a search operation was underway, was found dead in Cleveland, Ohio. Our deepest condolences to Mr. Mohammed Arfath's family," Consulate General of India, New York, informed on April 9.
Consulate officials are in touch with local agencies to ensure a thorough investigation into Mohammed Abdul Arfath's death.
"We are extending all possible assistance to the bereaved family to transport his mortal remains to India," CGI New York said.
Arfath's father, Saleem, a resident of Nacharam in Hyderabad, said the last conversation the family had with him was on March 7.
The family later received a call from an unidentified person from the US demanding 1200 dollars for his release. Though the family expressed willingness to pay the amount, the caller disconnected and did not reconnect with the family.