The tragic murder of 20-year-old Indian student Paruchuri Abhijit in the United States has sent shockwaves through his hometown of Burripalem, Guntur, in Andhra Pradesh. Abhijit, who was pursuing engineering at Boston University, was found dead in a forest within the university campus on March 11. The circumstances surrounding his death suggest that he may have been targeted for money and his laptop.
Abhijit’s parents, Paruchuri Chakradhar and Srilakshmi, were devastated upon learning of their son’s murder. As the only son of the family, Abhijit’s untimely death has left a deep void in their lives. His remains were brought back to his hometown, where family and friends mourned his loss.
This tragic incident adds to a disturbing trend of attacks on individuals of Indian origin in the United States. In 2024 alone, there have been nine reported incidents, highlighting concerns about the safety and security of Indian students and immigrants in the country.
One such incident involved Shreyas Reddy Beniger, a student at Ohio’s Linder School of Business, who passed away on February 8. Despite suspicions of foul play and hate crimes, US authorities have denied any such motives, further raising concerns among the Indian community.
In January, Vivek Saini, another Indian student, was brutally killed by a homeless man wielding a hammer inside a store in Lithonia, Georgia. The shocking incident, captured on video and circulated on social media, sparked outrage and renewed calls for action to address violence against Indian immigrants.
Tragedy struck again in February when an entire Indian family was killed, followed by the shooting of an Indian musician, further underscoring the urgency of addressing hate-motivated violence in the United States.
In response to these incidents, the White House issued a strong condemnation of violence motivated by factors such as race or gender. John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to preventing and addressing such attacks.
Kirby emphasized that there is no justification for violence based on race, gender, religion, or any other factor and reiterated the President’s determination to hold those responsible for such acts accountable. The administration is working closely with state and local authorities to deter such attacks and ensure the safety of all residents, including Indian immigrants and students.
Despite these assurances, concerns persist among Indian parents about sending their children to study or work in the United States. The repeated incidents of violence have shaken confidence in the country’s ability to protect its diverse population and uphold the principles of equality and justice for all.
As investigations into Abhijit murder continue, his family and community mourn the loss of a bright young student with a promising future. Their grief is shared by countless others who hope for justice and meaningful action to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.