A 25-year-old student hailing from Hyderabad, currently pursuing studies in the United States, has been reported missing since March 7th, and his family in India says they received a ransom demand.
Mohammed Abdul, originally from Nacharam, embarked on his educational journey to the US in May 2023 to pursue a Master’s degree in IT from Cleveland University.
While residing in Cleveland, he maintained contact with his family until abruptly ceasing communication on March 7th, with his phone subsequently being switched off.
According to Mohammed Saleem, Abdul’s father, the last interaction he had with his son was on the aforementioned date. Concerns escalated when Abdul’s roommates in the US disclosed that they had lodged a missing person report with the Cleveland Police.
However, the situation took a distressing turn on March 19th, when Abdul’s family received a ransom call from an unidentified individual. The caller alleged that Abdul had been abducted by a group involved in drug trafficking and demanded a ransom of USD 1,200 for his release.
Shockingly, the caller went further, threatening to sell Abdul’s organs if the ransom wasn’t paid.
Expressing his anguish, Saleem recounted his conversation with the anonymous caller, who refused any communication with Abdul and merely insisted on the payment.
Amidst their distress, Abdul’s parents implored the Central government to take prompt action to locate and ensure the safe return of their son.
Saleem also penned a letter to the External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, seeking assistance in resolving this harrowing ordeal.
(With inputs from agencies)
