Title: Indian Community Raises Concerns Over Safety at Purdue University Following Recent Deaths
Indian students and the wider Indian community are expressing deep concerns about the safety and security of Indian and Indian-origin students studying at Purdue University, following a series of tragic deaths on the campus. The recent deaths of Varun Chheda and Neel Acharya have once again brought the issue of student safety into the spotlight, prompting calls for improved security measures at the prestigious institution.
Purdue University, ranked 33rd in the US and 86th globally in the 2024 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, has long been a dream destination for students from India and around the world. However, the recent incidents have raised questions about the safety of Indian students at and around the campus.
In October 2022, 20-year-old Varun Chheda, a data science student, was tragically stabbed to death in his dorm room on the West Lafayette campus. His death marked the first on-campus homicide at Purdue in over eight years. The alleged perpetrator, Ji Min Sha, a cybersecurity major from South Korea, was charged with Varun’s murder and is currently awaiting trial. The incident was described by police as a senseless and unprovoked act of violence.
Less than a year later, in October 2023, the Purdue community was devastated by the deaths of Tanya Roy and her twin sister Rayna. The sisters fell from their seventh-floor apartment near the Purdue campus in an apparent suicide. Tanya, a Purdue graduate, had studied environmental and ecological engineering at the university. The tragic event once again highlighted the need for improved safety measures and support systems for students.
The most recent tragedy occurred in January 2024, when 19-year-old Neel Acharya was found dead on the Purdue campus. Neel, a double major in computer science and data science, had gone missing the day before his body was discovered. The circumstances surrounding his death are still under investigation, but the incident has further shaken the Indian community and raised concerns about safety at the university.
Purdue University, known for its strong academic reputation, has a significant number of Indian students, comprising 21.9% of their international student body. The university has taken steps to support Indian students, offering merit-based scholarships through the Indian Emerging Scholar fund and establishing a cultural organization, Indian Graduate Students at Purdue, to provide a sense of community for Indian graduate students.
However, these recent tragic events have prompted officials at Purdue to reassess safety measures on campus. The university’s president has emphasized that the safety and security of students are the highest priorities, acknowledging the profound impact that these deaths have had on the Purdue community.
The Indian community, both in India and abroad, continues to demand better safety measures and support for Indian students. These tragic incidents have highlighted the need for stronger security protocols, mental health resources, and community engagement to ensure the well-being of all students at the prestigious institution.
As investigations into the recent deaths continue, it is imperative that Purdue University takes decisive action to address the concerns raised by the Indian community. Strengthening safety measures, fostering a supportive environment, and providing necessary resources will help reassure Indian students and their families that Purdue is committed to their well-being.
While Purdue University may continue to be a desirable destination for students aspiring to study in the United States, the recent string of tragedies emphasizes the importance of institutional accountability and the imperative to create an environment that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all its students, particularly the Indian community that forms a significant part of its international student body.