Student From Hyderabad Goes Missing in US, Father Writes to EAM Jaishankar For Help

New Delhi: The family of the 25-year-old Indian-origin student, studying in the US who went missing on March 7, have alleged that they have received a ransom demand for his release. The student from Hyderabad, identified as Abdul Mohammed, was pursuing a Master's degree in Information Technology (IT) at Cleveland University in the US.  

According to sources, the student's father, Mohammed Saleem, has claimed to have received a phone call from an unknown number later that week. The unknown caller claimed to be part of a gang.

Talking to reports, Saleem said, Mohd Saleem, father of Abdul Arafat says my son went to USA for masters in May, everything was going well and his studies was also going well. We spoke to him on video call on March 7th but after that his phone is switched off. Later we informed one of our relative to check on him and then we got to know that the roommate had given a missing complaint. Almost after 10 days we got a call saying that your son with us and asked for a ransom of 1200 dollars. We are not able to get any information and we have given a complaint in the local Police station."

Saleem has now written to External Affairs Minister Jaishankar seeking his help. He also gave a complaint at the local police station seeking its help.

The caller has demanded a ransom of $1,200 for his safe return. Failing which the kidney of the student would be sold, he threatened.

On the basis of a missing complaint filed by Abdul's relatives in the US on March 8, the Cleveland Police have issued a lookout notice for Abdul. The family also sought assistance from the Indian consulate in Chicago on March 18 to locate Abdul.

The Cleveland Police are currently investigating Abdul’s disappearance. 

(With inputs from Aneri)