News and Events

Columbia University PhD student Ranjani Srinivasan fled to Canada after her student visa was revoked for alleged support of Hamas. Using the CBP Home app, she self-deported after she escaped arrest by ICE agents twice. Rishi Kumar, an executive board member of the California Democratic Party, who also ran in an election, supported the visa revocation and said this should be a warning for all international students.

Indian research scholar Ranjani Srinivasan fled to Canada after her US student visa was unexpectedly revoked, with US authorities labeling her a 'terrorist sympathiser' supporting Hamas without evidence. Despite trying to continue her studies at Columbia University, Srinivasan faced aggressive ICE actions and termination of her enrolment, highlighting alarming immigration enforcement on political activism.

Authorities found clothing at the beach believed to belong to missing University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki. She vanished over a week ago during a spring break trip in Punta Cana. Surveillance footage showed her with Joshua Riibe, who is now a person of interest. The investigation continues, and Dominican officials have intensified efforts to find Konanki.

UK Conservative MP Bob Blackman extended Holi wishes in the House, explaining the festival's lore and advising first-timers to avoid business attire to enjoy the celebration. He highlighted the festival's significance, celebrating the divine love of Radha and Krishna and the triumph of good over evil, wishing everyone a joyful Holi.

The US Department of Homeland Security announced the self-deportation of Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian doctoral student, after her visa was revoked for supporting Hamas and advocating violence. This is part of a broader crackdown on foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian activism. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that living and studying in the US is a privilege and should not be extended to those who support terrorism.

Joshua Riibe, the man who was last seen with Sudiksha Konanki, claims he rescued Sudiksha Konaki from rough Caribbean waters but cannot explain her subsequent disappearance. Riibe told police he fell asleep after vomiting seawater and did not see her again. Police are investigating potential foul play, and Riibe has declined to answer further questions on his lawyer's advice.

Authorities in Virginia have identified 24-year-old Joshua Ribe as a person of interest in the disappearance of University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki in the Dominican Republic. Konanki vanished during a spring break trip, and Ribe has given conflicting accounts of the night’s events. The FBI and local authorities are intensifying their search efforts.

Ranjeet Prasad, an Indian origin former PA youth worker in Singapore, has been convicted of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy in 2007, receiving a 10-year and six-month prison sentence. He exploited the teenager's aspirations and abused his authority, with the court noting his lack of remorse.

An Indian-American woman, Reeva Gupta, is suing a flight school for negligence after surviving a deadly 2023 plane crash in Long Island that killed her mother and the pilot. The lawsuit alleges ignored safety warnings led to the unavoidable accident, as an electrical short caused an in-flight fire.

A 27-year-old student from Rangareddy district, Gampa Praveen, was shot dead during a suspected robbery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Praveen was close to completing his MS in data science at the University of Wisconsin and worked part-time at a local store. His family is devastated and struggling with limited information about the incident.

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont led a mission to India, aiming to enhance trade ties and attract investments. The delegation engaged industry leaders and government officials in Chennai, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, discussing collaborations in technology, biosciences, and financial services, and signed an MoU with Tamil Nadu to expand cooperation.

Nilam Sinde, injured severely in a road accident in Sacramento, is receiving medical care at UC Davis Medical Centre. Her family received US visas to provide support during her recovery process. The Indian consulate in San Francisco has assured ongoing assistance and remains in active contact with the involved parties.