January 30, 2024 : Neel Acharya, a double major in computer science and data science at Purdue University, was discovered dead on Sunday. The Tippecanoe County Coroner’s Office responded to a call about a potential deceased person at 500 Allison Road in West Lafayette around 11:30 am. Upon arrival, they found the lifeless body of a college-aged male on the Purdue campus.
Neel’s disappearance had been reported by his mother, Gaury Acharya, who took to social media seeking assistance just a day before the tragic discovery. In her post on X, she pleaded, “Our son Neel Acharya is missing since yesterday, Jan 28 (12:30 AM EST). He is studying in Purdue University in the US. We are looking for any info on him. Please help us if you know anything.”
Responding to the distressed mother, the Consulate General of India in Chicago assured support. In a reply to Gaury Acharya’s post, they stated, “Consulate is in touch with Purdue University authorities and also with Neel’s family. Consulate will extend all possible support and help.”
Our son Neel Acharya is missing since yesterday Jan 28( 12:30 AM EST) He is studying in Purdue University in the US.
— Goury Acharya (@AcharyaGoury) January 29, 2024
He was last seen by the Uber driver who dropped him off in Purdue university.
We are looking for any info on him. Please help us if you know anything. pic.twitter.com/VWIS5uyJde
The Purdue Exponent, an independent multimedia agency, reported that Chris Clifton, the head of the Computer Science department, informed faculty and students about Neel Acharya’s untimely death in an email on Monday.
Neel Acharya, the missing Purdue student, has been confirmed dead, according to an email from the interim head of the Department of Computer Science. A friend said, "He was a loving, caring, charismatic soul."https://t.co/3AO7QE3M0P
— Purdue Exponent (@purdueexponent) January 29, 2024
This tragic incident follows another unfortunate event earlier in the week where an Indian student faced a brutal attack. Vivek Saini was fatally assaulted with a hammer by a homeless man inside a store in Lithonia, Georgia. The incident, captured on video, gained attention on social media. While the exact date of the incident remains unconfirmed, prompt police action led to the arrest of the assailant.
The Indian community abroad and their families are grappling with these distressing events, emphasizing the need for increased security measures and support systems for students studying overseas. As the investigations into both cases unfold, authorities are urged to prioritize the safety and well-being of international students.
In a sorrowful conclusion, Vivek Saini’s body was repatriated to his family in India on January 24, marking a somber reminder of the challenges faced by Indian students pursuing their dreams abroad.
