Tragically, 23-year-old Sameer Kamath, a doctoral student at Purdue University, was found dead in a nature preserve, the result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, as revealed by authorities. Sameer, a US citizen, had recently completed his master’s degree in mechanical engineering. The preliminary findings from the forensic autopsy conducted on February 6 pointed towards suicide.
This heartbreaking incident adds to a series of challenges faced by students of Indian origin in the US. Just last week, B. Shreyas Reddy was found dead in Ohio, and Syed Mazahir Ali faced a brutal attack in Chicago. The investigations into Sameer’s case involve multiple agencies, including the Warren County Coroner’s Office and Purdue University Administration. It’s a somber reminder of the need for support and awareness around mental health in academic communities.