Tragic demise of Indian-origin student sparks investigation at US university

This news has been read 903 times!

NEW YORK, Jan 27: Akul Dhawan, an 18-year-old Indian freshman studying electrical engineering at the University of Illinois, was discovered dead over the weekend under circumstances that have prompted concerns and demands for answers from his grieving parents.

Akul’s parents, residing in California, raised alarm after their son was reported missing by his roommate at 1:23 am on Sunday, amidst bone-chilling temperatures of 1 degree Fahrenheit (-17 degrees Celsius). His lifeless body was eventually found near the university campus in Champaign, Illinois.

An autopsy conducted on Monday showed no signs of significant trauma but revealed changes in Dhawan’s skin consistent with hypothermia, a grim detail given the extreme weather conditions during the search. Authorities faced freezing temperatures ranging between -20F and -14F, with windchill exacerbating the harsh conditions.

Despite the urgency of the situation, Akul’s parents allege that no search efforts were initiated at their son’s last known location. Concerned friends, who had lost contact with Akul, feared for his well-being, expressing worries that he might succumb to the extreme cold without proper attire. Akul’s father, Ish Dhawan, claimed that his son had called the police from the location, waiting for assistance for half an hour.

Tragically, Akul was found lifeless less than half a block away from where he was last seen, according to local TV station WCIA.

The University of Illinois Police Department is actively investigating the incident, leaning towards the belief that the young student’s death was an accident. Pat Wade, a spokesperson for the University of Illinois Police Department, refrained from providing further details on the ongoing investigation.

University officials expressed their grief, extending condolences to Akul’s family and friends. Danita Brown Young, the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, assured the availability of support services for students dealing with the loss, including counseling.

Amidst the sorrow, Akul’s parents are demanding answers from the university, questioning the adequacy of search and rescue procedures. Ish Dhawan disclosed that when they approached the Vice Chancellor’s office with their concerns, they were directed to file a complaint with the police. However, the family claims they were provided with a form to fill out, but no formal complaint forms were offered.

Akul’s parents expressed concerns about the university’s preparedness for frigid temperatures when students are reported missing, fearing that the lack of proper procedures may endanger other students, particularly those unfamiliar with harsh winter conditions.

As the university community mourns the loss of a talented young student, questions persist about the circumstances leading to Akul Dhawan’s tragic death, underscoring the need for a comprehensive investigation and potential policy reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

This news has been read 903 times!