Dream shattered in US: Indian-origin student dies by suicide amid financial stress, debt-ridden father awaits body

The student has been identified as 26-year-old Iraganaboyina Chandu. He had reportedly completed his master’s degree at DePaul University and had been searching for a job for several weeks without success, according to NDTV.

Family members and community sources told NDTV that Chandu had been under significant emotional strain and was distressed about being financially dependent on his family in India.

His father is reported to work as a security guard.

Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the investigation.

Members of the Indian community in the US have begun fundraising efforts to support the family and repatriate his body.

A GoFundMe page describes Chandu as “a beloved son, a devoted older brother, and a kind-hearted friend,” adding that “the weight of the challenges he faced became too much to bear.”

The fundraiser has set an initial goal of $25,000 to cover repatriation costs and assist the family, though it has already raised over $76,000.

The page states that a portion of the funds will also help the family manage outstanding financial obligations.

Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu said the government would extend support to the bereaved family. In a post on X, he said he had spoken with concerned individuals and was coordinating efforts to expedite the process, adding that authorities would do their best to assist during this difficult time.