Dreams of a 26-year-old student hailing from Andhra Pradesh were dashed, as he died by suicide in Chicago after failing to secure a job there, reports claimed on Friday. The student, identified as Iraganaboyina Chandu, has left his family and community grappling with grief and scores of unanswered questions. 

Chandu was a native of AP’s Kurnool district, and had recently completed his master’s degree from the DePaul University in Chicago. He had travelled overseas with aspirations of building a better future. However, despite sustained efforts spanning several weeks, he was unable to land a job, which took a heavy emotional toll on him. 

Chandu was troubled due to financial dependence on family: Sources

Sources within Chandu’s family revealed that he had been under considerable stress due to his job hunt struggles. Additionally, he was financially dependent on his family, especially his father, who is employed as a security guard in Kurnool. 

The members of the Indian community in Chicago said that the burden of expectations and financial concerns weighed heavily on him. Owing to the same, he took the extreme step at his rented accommodation in the US, prompting authorities to launch a probe. A detailed report from the authorities in the US is, however, awaited.

Family awaits body’s return, Indian community initiates fundraiser

At Chandu’s native district, his bereaved kin are now facing both emotional devastation and financial strain. Meanwhile, the members of the Indian diaspora in the US have kicked off a fundraising campaign to facilitate his body’s repatriation.

The estimate for the body’s transportation from US to India, according to the campaign, would cost around $25,000, an amount Chandu’s family is unable to afford. Encouragingly, the fundraiser has managed to amass over $76,000 within two days, surpassing the expectations. The community members emphasised that any funds raised beyond the repatriation cost shall be extended to Chandu’s family in managing outstanding debts. 

AP Minister takes cognisance, expresses condolences

Public representatives, including a prominent political figure from AP, have also taken cognisance of the incident. Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh expressed condolences and appealed to Union Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu to ensure a smooth as well as swift repatriation of his body. Naidu responded promptly, confirming that he is coordinating with the authorities concerned to expedite the transportation of Chandu’s body. He further assured that all possible support would be extended to the grieving family during the tough time.