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Indian students died in separate incidents on U.S. campuses this year. Photo Credit: Purdue Exponent
A concerning trend has emerged among Indian students in the United States, as reports of tragic deaths have surged over the past few months. This has sparked worry not only among the students themselves but also within the Indo-American community and the wider Indian population.
Recent incidents of Indian students’ deaths in the US have raised serious safety concerns. Since the beginning of 2024, news of Indian students’ deaths has become increasingly prominent. Tragically, these students have fallen victim to violent incidents, whether motivated by financial reasons or personal disputes.
As of now, the number of Indian and Indian-origin students who have lost their lives in the US in 2024 stands at 11—an alarming figure. These incidents have prompted investigations and discussions within the Indian diaspora community.
The number of Indian students pursuing education in the United States has witnessed a remarkable surge, with a 35% increase in enrolment for the academic year 2022-23 compared to the previous year. These Indian-origin students constitute nearly 275,000 individuals, accounting for 25% of all foreign students. Their presence contributes significantly to the US economy, bringing in approximately $9 billion annually in terms of fees and expenses, as reported by the Open Doors Report.
Dr. Lakshmi Thalanki, based in Boston, has gathered data on more than 10 student deaths, expressing alarm at the sudden increase. Khanderao Kand, Chief of Policies and Strategy, has analyzed the data, highlighting that Indian-origin students make up around 25% of all foreign students in the US, contributing $9 billion annually in fees and expenses.
However, the recent rise in student deaths is troubling, raising concerns about safety in US universities and potentially affecting the number of students choosing to study there.
How many Indian students killed in United States
| Name | University | Program/Activity | Date of Death | Cause of Death |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aaditya Adlakha | University of Cincinnati, Ohio | Doctoral Student | Nov 9, 2023 | Shot in car crash |
| G Dinesh | Connecticut | Student | Jan 15, 2024 | Carbon Monoxide |
| Nikesh | Connecticut | Student | Jan 15, 2024 | Carbon Monoxide |
| Akul Dhawan | UIUC University of Urbana-Champaign, Illinois | Student | Jan 20, 2024 | Hypothermia |
| Vivek Saini | Lithonia, Georgia | Part-time work | Jan 22, 2024 | Murder |
| Neel Acharya | Purdue University, Indiana | Student | Jan 28, 2024 | Asphyxia, Ethanol Intoxication |
| Shreyas Reddy Beniger | Cincinnati, Ohio | Student | Feb 1, 2024 | Possible Suicide |
| Syed Mazahir Ali | Chicago, IL | Student | Feb 4, 2024 | Robbery |
| Sameer Kamath | Purdue University, Indiana | Postgrad Student | Feb 5, 2024 | Gunshot Wound |
| Amaranth Ghosh | St Louis, Boston | PhD Student | Feb 27, 2024 | Shooting |
| Uma Satya Sai Gadde | Cleveland, Ohio | Unknown | April 5, 2024 | Not available |
| Mohammed Abdul Arafat | Cleveland, Ohio | Unknown | April 8, 2024 | Potential Kidnapping |
Indian students are drawn to US universities by the promise of better career prospects. A US degree is often perceived as a gateway to higher-paying jobs and professional success. However, this pursuit comes with its own set of challenges and risks.
Indian students face numerous challenges, including limited opportunities in the country's higher education system due to rapid population growth. Competition for admission to top Indian universities has intensified, with some prestigious institutions accepting as few as 0.2% of applicants.
In contrast, renowned international universities like Harvard and MIT accept a higher percentage of applicants. Lokesh Sangabattula, a Ph.D. student in materials science at MIT, highlights the limited demand for materials scientists in India, driving many like him to seek employment opportunities abroad, where prospects may be more promising.
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