Key Takeaways
• Paruchuri Abhijit, a 20-year-old Indian student, was found dead in Massachusetts in March 2024; cause remains uncertain.
• Indian student visa approvals to the U.S. dropped by 30% in 2025 due to stricter policies after President Trump’s return.
• Social media posts and protest participation now increase risks of visa revocation for international students, with little option for appeal.
The tragic death of Paruchuri Abhijit, a young Indian student from Andhra Pradesh, has sent shockwaves through both the Indian community and families worldwide whose loved ones study far from home. Abhijit, who was just 20 years old, wanted to build a better future by studying engineering at Boston University in the United States 🇺🇸. But in March 2024, his life was cut short when he was found dead in an abandoned car deep in a Massachusetts forest. Police say it may have been a murder, but as of April 2025, no one knows for sure what really happened—or why.
This case has raised many important questions about the safety of Indian students in the United States 🇺🇸 and the growing risks they face. It also shines a light on bigger changes happening with policies, stricter visa rules, and what students and families can do to better protect themselves while studying abroad.
What Happened to Paruchuri Abhijit?
On March 11, 2024, Abhijit was found dead inside an old, abandoned car. The area was isolated—far from busy campus life. Police reports that have been shared by both his family and the Indian Consulate in New York suggest Abhijit was likely the victim of a violent crime. His family believes he was targeted for money or valuables. There were rumors floating around online that suggested suicide or involvement in online games, but as of spring 2025, these remain nothing more than rumors. The police still treat foul play as the main cause, but there have been no arrests, and the case still hangs in uncertainty.
After his body was found, the Indian Consulate quickly helped send him back home to his parents in Burripalem, Andhra Pradesh. The family, heartbroken, continues to ask for more information and answers as the police keep looking for clues.
More Indian Students at Risk
Sadly, Paruchuri Abhijit is not the only Indian student whose life ended in the United States 🇺🇸 recently. Since January 2024, at least eight other Indian or Indian-origin students in America have lost their lives. As reported by VisaVerge.com, these cases range from violent crimes and accidents to drug overdoses and disappearances that cannot easily be explained.
Among the other recent victims:
- Amarnath Ghosh, who was shot and killed.
- Vivek Saini, who died from a brutal beating.
- Akul Dhawan, who lost his life from hypothermia (being too cold for too long).
- Neel Acharya, who died from asphyxiation (not getting enough air).
Each of these stories highlights a different danger that students can face while studying far from their families and home communities.
More Indians Studying in the United States—But Tougher Rules
Despite these heart-breaking stories, Indian students continue to go to the United States 🇺🇸 in record numbers. The 2023–24 academic year saw over 330,000 Indian students enroll in American colleges and universities—a big jump of 23% compared to the year before. For the first time ever, Indians actually became the largest group of foreign students on U.S. campuses, overtaking students from China 🇨🇳. This surge reflects how much families still hope for an American education and future opportunities.
But as more Indian students arrive, getting a visa has gotten much harder. Data shows that by February 2025, student visa approvals had fallen by about 30% compared to past years. A lot more applications are now being denied. These stricter rules came after President Trump returned to lead the United States 🇺🇸 and put in place new federal policies affecting who can study, work, and live in the country.
Stricter Enforcement and More Visa Revocations
Once in the United States 🇺🇸, international students now face even closer monitoring. The U.S. State Department recently warned that even small violations—such as shoplifting or speeding—could cause instant loss of a visa. Losing a visa often means a student has to leave the country within 15 days. Margaret MacLeod at the State Department said clearly, “If you follow law, America offers opportunities. But those who break law will face consequences.” This strict approach has scared many into being even more careful about what they do every day.
Indian embassies are working to support students affected by these changes, but they also urge everyone to follow all local laws closely. This is not just good advice—it’s now essential for keeping legal status in the country.
Political Protests and Social Media: New Reasons for Losing Visas
In recent months, it’s not just breaking the law that puts students at risk. Many are now losing their visas for joining political protests. This has included pro-Palestinian demonstrations on college campuses, but it can happen for other types of activism too. Another new reason for trouble is what students say or do online. The United States 🇺🇸 is now using artificial intelligence tools to watch students’ social media posts for anything considered “controversial.”
New rules under Executive Orders #14161 and #14188 mean posts about politics or government could put a student’s visa in danger, even if those posts are made outside the country. Legal experts warn that if your SEVIS record (the official student record colleges use to track international students) is shut down, it’s almost impossible to get it reactivated. Appeals can take many months, and there is no right to go to court if you are denied.
India Responds to Renewed Fears
India 🇮🇳’s Ministry of External Affairs knows that parents and students are worried. After a number of high-profile arrests and visa revocations, the Indian government has called on all its citizens living abroad to strictly follow the laws of their host country. At the same time, embassies and consulates continue to provide support. This could mean helping students get the right documents to return home, guiding them with legal resources, or answering questions about what to do if something goes wrong. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We expect our nationals abroad comply with local laws… Our embassies stand ready with support.”
What Are U.S. Universities Doing About Student Safety?
Universities in the United States 🇺🇸 realize they have a responsibility to keep their students—especially international students—safe and informed. Many schools now give special safety training and offer advice on how to avoid risky situations. Some colleges have created emergency teams who can step in quickly if something bad happens. However, not all schools have enough help available. Some of the offices that used to focus on diversity and inclusion—known as “DEI” programs—have been cut back. This has made it harder for Indian students and others from minority groups to get the direct help and community support they once could count on.
Universities are now urging all foreign students to:
- Register with the International Student Office as soon as they arrive
- Keep digital and hard copies of college enrollment records up to date
- Pay close attention to official university emails, especially about immigration policy changes
A Survival Guide: Practical Steps for Indian Students in America
For students like Paruchuri Abhijit and others looking for guidance, these are the main steps experts now recommend:
Stick to the Law
Even a small mistake can mean losing your student visa and being sent home. Do not risk breaking any laws in the United States 🇺🇸, no matter how minor they might seem.
Keep Your Documents Safe
Always have copies of your passport, visa, I-20 form (the main student document), school ID, and other important papers somewhere safe. Update your contact information with your college every time you move.
Stay Connected with Campus and Community
Make a point to meet with your school’s International Student Office regularly. They may know about new rules before you do and can help if you have questions or concerns. Join student groups where possible—having friends and mentors can make a big difference.
Watch Your Social Media
Be careful about what you post online. Even “likes” or comments can possibly be seen as controversial and could put your visa at risk in the new digital environment.
Personal Safety
Avoid walking alone late at night and do not take rides from strangers. Use campus security or trusted ride services. Get to know the emergency numbers for campus security, the local police, and the nearest Indian consulate.
Mental Health Matters
If you feel homesick, scared, or too stressed, reach out for help. Most universities have free counseling services or can connect you to people who can help. Do not try to face tough times alone.
For a full list of tips and emergency contacts, students can visit the Ministry of External Affairs’ advisory site for updates and resources, updated as of April 14, 2025.
The Bigger Picture: What Lies Ahead for Indian Students
The rules for students from India 🇮🇳 or any other country have changed quickly in just one year. Numbers from universities show that while more Indian students are applying and enrolling, actually getting a student visa is now much harder. Even after arrival, rules are tighter. Students must be alert not only about their studies but also about following every part of the law and new college rules.
Minor mistakes—like a traffic ticket or an argument online—can now spell disaster. Experts say you should contact an immigration lawyer right away if you get any email or letter that threatens to take away your visa, your student status, or your ability to stay in the United States 🇺🇸. Wait too long, and you may not be able to fight back.
Indian families are also warned about future changes to work visas, like the H-1B or H-4, shorter time allowed for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM extensions, and tighter rules about work and travel after graduation.
More Than One Tragedy—A Systemic Problem
Paruchuri Abhijit’s family is still trying to move past the loss of their beloved son. But their pain is not just personal. It speaks to a larger issue for thousands of other families with children studying abroad. With more Indian students in America 🇺🇸 than ever before, more people are exposed to risk—both from outside dangers and from tough new rules and monitoring.
VisaVerge.com’s investigation reveals that these problems are not likely to go away soon. Instead, staying safe now requires much more attention from students, families, colleges, and even government officials on both sides. The mix of fear about physical harm and fear of losing visa status means that students need clear rules, constant information, and friendly support networks more than ever.
What Can Students and Parents Do Next?
- Stay informed. Read emails from schools, embassies, or official sources carefully.
- Know your rights and responsibilities under immigration law. You can check the official U.S. Department of State website for information about student visa rules.
- Build a safety net by joining student groups and checking in with your school’s international office often.
- Act quickly if problems come up—never ignore warning letters or official notices.
- Remember, safety and legal status are both at risk if you are careless or if you simply don’t know the latest rules.
Closing Thoughts
The loss of Paruchuri Abhijit will always be a tragedy for his family, for his friends, and for the Indian student community in the United States 🇺🇸. But his story is a powerful warning to those who may think these issues are rare or far away. With more Indian students heading to America 🇺🇸 for college and work, the risks are more real now than ever.
It’s up to each student and their families to make careful decisions, to stay alert, and to ask for help whenever needed. As the world becomes more connected and rules change fast, being informed and cautious is the best way to achieve your dreams abroad—while keeping yourself safe.
If you are an Indian student—or are sending a loved one abroad—take these warnings seriously. The goal for every family is the same: to have their children return home safe, successful, and proud of what they achieved. By staying alert and informed, you can help make sure that happens.
Learn Today
Visa Revocation → The official cancellation of an approved visa, requiring the visa holder to leave the United States swiftly.
SEVIS Record → The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System record that tracks international students’ school enrollment and visa status in the U.S.
Executive Order → A directive from the U.S. President, often affecting immigration rules, visas, and policies for international students.
OPT (Optional Practical Training) → A period allowing international students with F-1 status to work in the U.S. after graduation.
DEI Programs (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) → University initiatives supporting minority students and fostering inclusive campus communities, often vital for international students.
This Article in a Nutshell
Indian student Paruchuri Abhijit’s mysterious death in Massachusetts highlights rising safety risks for Indian students in the U.S. With recent policy changes, stricter visa enforcement, and social media monitoring, Indian families must stay vigilant. Proactive legal compliance and campus engagement are now essential for safety and continued academic success.
— By VisaVerge.com
