Indian-American student Akul Dhawan froze to death near Illinois University

PTC News Desk: After the tragic and heart-breaking tales of several Indian youths across foreign shores, another horrific incident from America came to limelight which gripped tensions, scare and chaos worldwide. 

In a recent horrific and spine-chilling incident, an Indian-origin student Akul Dhawan of Illinois University, died last month after freezing to death near a club that refused him entry during a night out with friends. 

The Champaign County Coroner's Office in Illinois announced that Dhawan body was discovered last month, succumbed to hypothermia exacerbated by "acute alcohol intoxication and prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures," factors that played a significant role in his demise.

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As per the media reports, the case pertains to January 20 when Indian-American student went out for drinks with friends at a club near the university campus in Urbana, Illinois. However, club staff refused him entry. 

He then went missing and numerous attempts to reach him went unanswered. The following morning, university staff reported finding "a man on the back porch of a building." Authorities confirmed that he was deceased upon discovery.

As per the authorities, it has been said that the death was accidental, and no foul play occurred. It said that Dhawan was found deceased at about 11: 08 am (local time) on January 20 in the 1200 block of West Nevada Street, Urbana

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Who was Akul Dhawan ? 

• Akul Dhawan was 18-year-old Indian-American student and was pursuing Electrical and Computer Engineering, focusing on robotics from Illinois University
• Akul Dhawan completed his high school education at Junipero Serra High School in San Mateo, California
• Dhawan also pursued Computer Science at the College of San Mateo from June 2019 to August 2023
• Dhawan was expected to graduate in May 2027 from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Akul Dhawan’s parents open letter 

The parents of an 18-year-old Indian-American student, have filed a complaint with the University of Illinois Police and questioned the police about their search and the protocol they followed during the search.

Akul Dhawan's parents believe that no search was carried out near the Busey-Evans Residence Hall and University police did not follow their missing search protocols. They accused the University of Illinois Police of being negligent.

In an open letter released, Akul Dhawan's parents said, "As parents, we need answers. We have filed an official complaint with the UI police. We have the following questions for the university officials and police: The police say that they searched around the Busey-Evans Residence Hall at 2:09 a.m."

In the recent times, dreams of Indian youth pursuing education in foreign shores is turning into nightmares, with many grappling with mental health issues, robbery and murder cases and Indians are tragically losing their lives shortly after arriving abroad. 

(With inputs from agencies)