A wave of shock and sorrow has spread across Andhra Pradesh after the tragic death of Rajyalakshmi Yarlagadda, a young student from the state who was found dead in the United States on November 7, 2025. Known fondly as Raji by friends and family, the 23-year-old had recently completed her post-graduation from Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi and was preparing to start her professional journey abroad.
However, her sudden and mysterious death has left her family in deep anguish. The bereaved relatives are now seeking help from both the Andhra Pradesh Government and the Indian Consulate in the US to bring her mortal remains back home for her final rites.
This incident has not only shaken her community but also reignited concerns about the safety, emotional well-being, and support systems available for thousands of Indian students studying overseas.
1. Who Was Rajyalakshmi Yarlagadda?
Rajyalakshmi, also known as Raji, hailed from Andhra Pradesh, where she completed her schooling and undergraduate education before traveling to the United States for higher studies.
She was described by her friends as intelligent, humble, and ambitious — a student who worked tirelessly to achieve her dreams. After securing admission to Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, she pursued her master’s degree in computer science and recently graduated in 2025.
Her family invested their life savings into her education, hoping that she would secure a promising career in the US tech industry. Unfortunately, fate had other plans, and the dream that brought her so far from home has ended in unimaginable tragedy.
2. The Shocking Incident
On November 7, 2025, Rajyalakshmi was found dead under unclear circumstances in the US. The exact cause of death remains under investigation by American authorities.
According to early reports, her friends and classmates became concerned after she stopped responding to messages and calls. Local authorities were contacted, and her body was later discovered at her residence.
The news reached her family in Andhra Pradesh through a phone call from her friends and the university administration. The shock was immediate — disbelief turned into heartbreak, followed by confusion and panic about what steps to take next.
3. Family’s Heartfelt Appeal for Help
Back in Andhra Pradesh, Raji’s parents and relatives are devastated by the sudden loss of their only daughter. They are struggling not only with emotional pain but also with the enormous financial and logistical challenge of bringing her body back from the United States.
They have appealed to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister’s Office, and the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C., for urgent assistance.
The family’s request is simple but deeply emotional — they want their daughter to be brought back home to perform her last rites on Indian soil.
4. Why Repatriation Is So Difficult
Transporting the mortal remains of an Indian citizen from another country is a complex and costly process. It involves:a
- Obtaining a US death certificate and police clearance.
- Embalming and sealing the body as per international standards.
- Getting a “No Objection Certificate” (NOC) from both US and Indian authorities.
- Coordinating with airlines that allow transportation of remains.
- Clearing customs and airport formalities at both ends.
The total cost can range anywhere from ₹15 lakh to ₹25 lakh (USD 18,000–30,000) depending on distance and services used.
For many middle-class Indian families, these costs are unaffordable, which is why they often depend on public donations, government help, or community crowdfunding platforms.
5. The Consular Process and Government Role
In cases like this, the Indian Consulate in the US plays a crucial role. Their responsibilities include:
- Verifying the death with local authorities.
- Helping arrange necessary documentation for repatriation.
- Coordinating with funeral homes and airlines.
- Liaising with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the state government in India.
However, the process can be time-consuming, especially if there’s an ongoing autopsy or police investigation. This delay adds emotional distress to grieving families, who are desperate to bring their loved one home.
6. Community and Diaspora Support
The Indian and Telugu communities in the US often step in to help during such tragedies. Many Indian Student Associations, Telugu Cultural Organizations, and Non-Resident Indian (NRI) groups help raise funds through GoFundMe campaigns and other donation drives.
In Raji’s case, fellow students and local community members have reportedly come forward to provide moral and financial support. These gestures of solidarity highlight the strong sense of community among the Indian diaspora, especially during times of crisis.
Similar efforts were seen in earlier cases, such as Kolli Abhishek, another young man from Andhra Pradesh who was found dead in Texas earlier this year. In that instance, the Telugu community raised over $18,000 within hours to bring his body home.
7. The Emotional Struggle of the Family
For Raji’s parents, the tragedy is unimaginable. Speaking to local reporters, her relatives said:
“We sent her to America with so many dreams. We thought she would come back successful, but now we are praying just to see her one last time.”
The grief is compounded by the distance — her family cannot even visit the US or view the body due to visa and financial limitations. Every moment that passes without clarity or support increases their despair.
They are now appealing to government officials, local MPs, and social organizations to intervene quickly so that her remains can be flown back to India.
8. Similar Tragedies Involving Indian Students Abroad
Sadly, Raji’s case is not an isolated one. Over the past few years, there have been multiple incidents involving Indian students dying abroad, either due to health emergencies, accidents, or unknown causes.
- In January 2024, two Telugu students were found dead in Connecticut, sparking major concern among parents in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
- In February 2025, a 26-year-old student from Hyderabad died in Chicago after a suspected cardiac arrest.
- In March 2025, another student from Guntur lost his life in a car crash in California.
While each case has unique circumstances, the pattern reveals the vulnerabilities faced by young Indians pursuing higher education overseas — long hours, financial pressure, loneliness, cultural isolation, and sometimes inadequate health insurance coverage.
9. Importance of Insurance and Emergency Preparedness
One of the key lessons from such tragedies is the importance of health and travel insurance that covers emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation.
Many students and parents skip comprehensive coverage to save money, unaware that the lack of insurance can turn a tragedy into a financial nightmare.
Students planning to study abroad should always ensure:
- Their insurance policy covers repatriation of mortal remains.
- They are registered with the nearest Indian Embassy/Consulate.
- Their families have emergency contact numbers in both India and the host country.
- They stay in touch regularly and keep important documents accessible.
Being prepared doesn’t prevent tragedy, but it minimizes the chaos if the unthinkable happens.
10. Government and Policy Recommendations
Incidents like Raji’s highlight the urgent need for systematic support structures for Indian citizens abroad. Here are some key recommendations:
- Emergency Assistance Fund:
State governments like Andhra Pradesh should create a fund to help families of deceased students or professionals abroad. - Simplified Repatriation Process:
The Ministry of External Affairs could introduce a single-window system for faster documentation and coordination. - Mandatory Insurance for Overseas Students:
All students going abroad under Indian visas or scholarships should have mandatory insurance covering death and repatriation. - Awareness Programs:
Universities and visa consultants should educate families about emergency planning and consular support. - Helpline Numbers:
Dedicated 24×7 helplines for Indian students abroad can make communication faster during emergencies.
Such reforms could help prevent future families from enduring the same trauma.
11. Community Reaction and Online Campaigns
The news of Raji’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief on social media. Friends, classmates, and Telugu NRIs have shared heartfelt messages, expressing sorrow and calling for stronger student protection policies.
On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags such as #JusticeForRaji and #BringRajiHome have started trending locally in Andhra Pradesh.
Several well-known Telugu YouTubers and NRI organizations have offered to raise funds for her repatriation. The tragedy has also prompted online discussions about the mental health and safety of Indian students abroad.
12. The Legal Process in the US
When a non-US citizen dies in the United States, the local police conduct a preliminary investigation to determine if foul play is involved.
If necessary, a coroner’s office conducts an autopsy to confirm the cause of death. Once cleared, a death certificate is issued.
Only after these formalities can the Indian Consulate issue a “No Objection Certificate” and start the repatriation process.
In cases where the cause of death is unclear, the process can take several weeks, which delays the return of the body to India. Families back home often remain in limbo, waiting for closure.
13. The Rising Number of Indian Students Abroad
According to official data from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, over 13 lakh Indian students are currently studying overseas — in the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, and European nations.
While the majority complete their education successfully, a small but concerning number face medical emergencies, accidents, or mental health crises.
Experts believe that better awareness, counseling services, and peer-support networks could reduce stress and prevent many such incidents.
14. Safety and Mental Health Awareness
Another critical issue highlighted by Raji’s case is mental health awareness among international students.
Living alone in a foreign country often means dealing with:
- Academic pressure
- Cultural adjustment
- Financial worries
- Isolation from family
Universities abroad have started offering counseling services for international students, but many Indian students hesitate to seek help due to social stigma.
Promoting open conversations about mental well-being, along with community mentorship programs, could save lives.
15. Cultural Importance of Bringing Loved Ones Home
In Indian tradition, performing the last rites of a family member is deeply sacred. Families believe that a person’s soul attains peace only when the final rituals are performed in their native land.
For this reason, repatriation becomes a spiritual necessity — not just an emotional one. Raji’s parents have expressed their wish to bring her back to Andhra Pradesh so they can bid her farewell according to Hindu customs surrounded by family and community.
16. Role of the Andhra Pradesh Government
The Andhra Pradesh Government has reportedly taken note of the incident. Officials from the NRI Affairs Department and the Chief Minister’s Office are expected to coordinate with the Indian Consulate in Houston to facilitate the repatriation.
The government has a history of assisting families in similar cases, often covering partial costs through emergency grants or ex-gratia funds.
Local political leaders and MPs have also expressed condolences and urged swift action to bring Raji’s remains home.
17. The Need for Long-Term Reforms
While immediate help is essential, India must also look at long-term reforms to safeguard its students abroad.
Potential measures include:
- Establishing an International Student Welfare Board.
- Creating a Centralized Online Portal for emergency cases.
- Partnering with foreign universities for student safety audits.
- Encouraging diaspora mentorship programs.
Such frameworks can help create a safety net for students who might otherwise face crises alone in unfamiliar environments.
