CINCINNATI (Diya TV) — 26-year-old Indian doctoral student, Aaditya Adlakha, lost his life on November 11, succumbing to injuries from a shooting incident in Cincinnati, Ohio, that occurred on November 9.
Adlakha, a fourth-year molecular and developmental biology doctoral student at the University of Cincinnati, was found shot inside a vehicle that had crashed into a wall on the upper deck of the Western Hills Viaduct. Passersby had alerted the police after noticing multiple bullet holes in the car, reported Lt. Jonathan Cunningham of the Cincinnati Police.
The incident unfolded around 6:20 am, as indicated by the ShotSpotter gunfire locator service. Adlakha, in critical condition, was rushed to UC Medical Center but sadly passed away two days later. The investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been made.
The tragedy follows recent incidents involving Indian students in the United States. Varun Raj Pucha, a 24-year-old computer science student, died after a stabbing at a fitness center in Indiana, and Saiesh Veera, 24, was shot during a robbery attempt at an Ohio gas station.
Aaditya Adlakha’s death has sent shockwaves through the academic community. Andrew Filak, Senior Vice President of Health Affairs and Dean at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, expressed, “Today, you might have seen news reports of his sudden, tragic, and senseless death. Those who knew him, along with fellow students and others who may not have had the fortune to have met Aaditya, may experience a wide variety of reactions, which are understandable and expected.”
Adlakha, originally from northern India, graduated in Zoology from Ramjas College in 2018 and earned his master’s in physiology from All India Institute of Medical Sciences in 2020. His research focused on neuroimmune communication and its implications in pain and the inflammatory landscape in ulcerative colitis.
As condolences pour in, Ramjas College held a prayer meet, remembering Adlakha as a brilliant and kind student. Colleagues and professors recall his exceptional academic achievements, describing him as a shining example for years to come.
