In a distressing turn of events, a student hailing from Hyderabad has mysteriously vanished while pursuing his master's degree in Information Technology at Cleveland University, Ohio, in the United States. Mohammed Abdul Arfath, aged 25, lost contact with his family back home since March 7, sparking grave concerns among his loved ones.
The anguish for Arfath's family deepened when they received a harrowing ransom call, disclosing their son's alleged abduction and demanding a hefty sum of $12,000 for his release. The anonymous caller ominously threatened to traffic Arfath's kidney if their demands were not met, leaving his parents in Malkajgiri district reeling with fear and uncertainty.
Arfath embarked on his journey to the US in May 2023, but communication with his family abruptly ceased in early March, exacerbating the distress of his worried kin. His father, Mohammed Saleem, was shaken to the core when he received a chilling call from an unfamiliar voice, detailing Arfath's purported abduction by a drug syndicate operating in Cleveland. The caller, though adamant on the ransom, remained cryptic regarding the payment method, adding to the family's anguish.
In a desperate bid for assistance, Saleem reached out to relatives residing in the US, who promptly lodged a missing person report with the Cleveland police, prompting the issuance of a lookout notice. Descriptions provided in the notice depicted Arfath clad in a white T-shirt, complemented by a red jacket and blue jeans, further aiding in the search efforts.
Additionally, the family sought aid from the Indian Consulate in Chicago on March 18, urging for concerted efforts to trace Abdul's whereabouts. Saleem, undeterred by the ordeal, has also beseeched External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for intervention, pleading for swift action to locate his missing son and bring him back home safely.
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