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Mohammed Abdul Arfath
Credit: The Cleveland Stater
Mohammed Abdul Arfath was reported missing in March. He came to the U.S. in 2023 to study at Cleveland State University.

Missing student Mohammed Abdul Arfath found dead

The Indian international student was reported missing in March. He came to the U.S. in 2023 to study for his Masters degree at Cleveland State University.
By JOSHUA WITCHER - posted April 10, 2023

A student from India who came to the United States to study for his Masters degree at Cleveland State University has been found dead.

Police recovered the body of Mohammed Abdul Arfath from Lake Erie on Monday.

Arfath had been reported missing since March 9, with police attempting to find him since mid-March. Last week, the Cleveland police issued a missing person's alert.

CSU confirmed Arfath's death on Wednesday, following the medical examiner's confirmation of the 25-year-old's identity.

"After receiving confirmation from the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner this morning, Cleveland State University is saddened to hear of the death of former student Abdul Arfath Mohammed," CSU wrote in an email to The Cleveland Stater. "Cleveland State’s thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time, and CSU PD will continue to serve as a resource to Cleveland police as needed."

CSU said university records indicated that Arfath had transferred from Cleveland State ahead of the spring 2024 semester.

The Indian consulate in New York on Monday alerted the Indian community in the U.S. to Arfath's death, and promised to facilitate the return of his body to his family.

Arfath’s father, Mohammed Saleem, told media in India that he hopes his son's body will be returned home.

Media in India are also reporting that Arfath's family had received a phone call following his disappearance in March, demanding a ransom.

The CSU Police Department is providing information as needed to assist the Cleveland Division of Police with its investigation.

11th death of an Indian student in the U.S. this year

Indian media have reported on a string of deaths of students in the U.S. this year. Arfath was the 11th student from India or of Indian origin to have been reported dead in 2024.

CSU is a popular destination for international students, with a big influx of students from India in the past two years. Nationally, more than 250,000 students from India are currently studying in the U.S., adding to the diversity and talent of many college programs, while also bringing in, in many cases, much-needed revenue.

Editor's note: This is a developing story and will be updated as details become available.

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