Sweden: Indian Neuroscience Researcher, 32, Allegedly Murdered

A 31-year-old neuroscience researcher, Roshni Das, from Durgapur, who was affiliated with Umea University in northeastern Sweden, was discovered dead in her leased apartment in Umea on September 30.

The details from the Swedish embassy were conveyed to Mamata Das, who resides in Durgapur.

Details Of The Incident

As reported by The Indian Express, it has been discovered that Roshni pursued a degree in zoology with honours at Burdwan Raj College and later studied biotechnology at Kalinga University in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, before relocating to Sweden.

Her relatives, residing in Durgapur's DPL Township, revealed their most recent conversation with her on September 29, and subsequent attempts to reach her were unsuccessful.

Roshni's brother, Supratim Das, shared, "On October 13, we received the information that she was discovered deceased in an apartment."

Soon after, the family reached out to the local MP. A Swedish national has been taken into custody in the matter. At the moment, her body is being held in a mortuary. The motive behind the murder still remains unknown.

The family received information that her body was located in an apartment.

Roshni spent her childhood and upbringing in the DPL township, and she attended a CBSE school in Durgapur. Roshni's father, Narayan Chandra Das, was a former employee of Durgapur Projects Ltd (DPL). In 2018, she relocated to Sweden to commence her PhD in integrative medical biology. Her most recent visit to her hometown in Durgapur was in 2019, following her father's passing.

Allegedly, the victim wanted to stay in Sweden and work there as a professor. Reportedly, Roshni had told her mother that she wanted to take a teaching job at a university in Sweden.

Surinder Singh Ahluwalia, the MP representing the Bharatiya Janata Party for Burdwan-Durgapur, mentioned, "At the moment, the Swedish authorities are withholding the body due to an ongoing investigation. I have not received any formal documentation as of now. We are optimistic that we will have it by the following week. The procedures for repatriating the body can only begin once we obtain the necessary documents."

Time For International Attention?

Roshni's story serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerability that international students often face and the importance of international cooperation and support in times of distress.

In times like these, it becomes evident how critical it is for countries to collaborate, extend a helping hand, and provide support to their international students. Studying abroad can be an exhilarating experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges.

Foreign students often grapple with culture shock, loneliness, and mental health issues. In the wake of a tragedy, it is the responsibility of the host country to extend its support network.

It serves as a reminder that international students need not only the support of their families and communities but also the protection and assistance of the countries where they pursue their dreams. 

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