Who was Sreeja Varma? Hyderabad student killed in accident in Illinois
She was headed to dinner at the time, and was rushed to Carle Hospital, which was nearby. However, doctors were unable to resuscitate her, and she succumbed to severe internal injuries which had affected her critically.
The 24-year-old was a MS graduate pursuing studies, looking towards a 'bright future' in Champaign, Illinois, as per the GoFundMe page started to support her family after the accident.
'We are deeply saddened to share the devastating news of the tragic passing of Sreeja Varma,' the page says. It notes how her untimely demise has left her parents and younger sister devastated. As per the page, any funds raised will go to help the family with outstanding student loans and other urgent needs.
Who was Sreeja Varma?
Varma was born and raised in Srikrishnanagar, near the Gandi Maisamma Crossroads in Medchal-Malkajgiri district. Her roots trace back to Ramarukala village in Telangana's Siddipet district.
Hailing from a humble but hardworking family, Varma's father, Srinivas, is a driver, and mother, Hemalatha, works in a private firm. She has been described as 'immensely driven and deeply committed' to her education.
Varma dreamed of having a successful career that would uplift her family and inspire others from her community. She arrived in the US by dint of dedication and hard work, and wanted to pursue advanced studies. Varma hoped to create a better future for those she loved most, her GoFundMe page read.
Earlier this month, four Indian-origin family members, who went missing during their road trip in New York, were found dead in a tragic car accident. Asha Divan (85), Kishore Divan (89), Shailesh Divan (86), and Gita Divan (84) were travelling from Buffalo in New York to Prabhupada's Palace of Gold in West Virginia. The family had been missing since July 29.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
India's 7th rank in US scheme for children sparks fraud concerns
Ahmedabad: India is the seventh-largest source country in the US Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) programme, according to a US govt report on fraud and security risks published on July 23. Originally designed to protect abused or abandoned children, the programme has grown into a pathway increasingly used by older applicants. It is also the only non-western hemisphere country in the top 10, with most applicants concentrated in New York and California. The findings show that 82% of Indian SIJ petitioners were aged 18 or older and 90% were male, underscoring concerns about possible misuse of a scheme originally intended for abused or neglected children. The report titled "Criminality, gangs and program integrity concerns in special immigrant juvenile petition" was issued by US Citizenship and Immigration Services. The Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate of USCIS analysed SIJ petitions filed from 2014 to 2024 and flagged serious vulnerabilities. Nearly 1,98,500 petitions were approved between 2020 and 2024, with more than half filed by those aged between 18 and 21. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Could This NEW Collagen Blend Finally Reduce Your Cellulite? Vitauthority Learn More Undo You Can Also Check: Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad | Gold Rates Today in Ahmedabad | Silver Rates Today in Ahmedabad The review highlighted security risks: more than 19,000 petitioners were arrested, including at least 120 for murder. Over 500 suspected MS-13 gang members and at least 200 sex offenders gained SIJ approvals. Identity and age fraud were found to be widespread, while a small but concerning number of applicants had links to extremist groups. In the country ranking, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras dominated, reflecting Central American migration flows. But India stood at the seventh place, ahead of Afghanistan and Venezuela. This makes India unique as the only non-western hemisphere country in the top tier of SIJ petitions. The demographic profile of Indian applicants adds to concerns — 82% were 18 or older when they applied, and nine out of 10 were male. Most listed US addresses in New York (57%) or California (20%), two states with large immigrant populations and courts that often process SIJ cases. Analysts say this pattern suggests the use of irregular migration routes by Indian nationals, particularly through Latin America, to position themselves for SIJ eligibility. While India's numbers are modest compared to Central America, its ranking shows the global reach of networks exploiting humanitarian visa channels. The report noted rising SIJ applications from Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, countries with terrorism concerns. For India, this overlap with its wider neighbourhood has security relevance, requiring close monitoring. Another issue is the EB4 visa backlog. SIJs are processed under EB4, the same category used by Indian religious workers and certain professionals. The surge in SIJ petitions increases wait times for other applicants, indirectly affecting legitimate Indian cases. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Woman held from Delhi for gold bangle theft at Jaipur store
1 2 Jaipur: City police Sunday arrested a woman from New Delhi for allegedly stealing gold bangles from a jewellery showroom located near Govt Hostel in Jaipur. DCP (south) Rajarshi Raj Varma identified the accused as Anju Chopra, 40, a resident of New Delhi. Her arrest was facilitated through the use of ICJS (Interoperable Criminal Justice System) and NATGRID (National Intelligence Grid), which helped trace her identity and location. According to Varma, showroom manager Bablu Kumar filed a complaint on June 18, stating that the theft occurred a day earlier, on June 17. A woman stole two bangles weighing 28 gram. The theft was captured on CCTV. "The accused would leave Delhi early in the morning by train, targeting jewellery stores in Jaipur. She would ask to try on gold bangles and, while negotiating prices, distract the staff with conversation. She would then swap her artificial bangles with the real ones and flee," Varma said. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
HC relief for IIT prof, spouse in cheating plaint
Hyderabad: An IIT-Hyderabad professor and her husband — working as scientific officer at a premier research institute under the dept of atomic energy — has been granted relief by the Telangana high court, after they sought legal recourse against cops for allegedly harassing them. They alleged Telangana CID, in the guise of investigating a USD 65,000 cheating case, had repeatedly summoned them to its office and even threatened them with arrest. The duo alleged that the investigation was conducted only based on an e-mail complaint from a US-based entrepreneur in April 2024. No FIR was lodged. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad | Gold Rates Today in Hyderabad | Silver Rates Today in Hyderabad Previously, in his e-mail to the police, the complainant alleged that the couple defrauded him in the name of developing a non-invasive blood sugar monitoring device. He stated that he made the payment to the couple and their associate for the work — all of whom were shown as directors of an Indian company. Even as police started their investigation in the case, the couple dragged them to court. Disposing of their petition recently, the high court directed the police "not to interfere with the life and liberty" of the couple except in accordance with the law. The court passed the order after the police submitted to the court that the complaint against them was closed as it was "civil in nature". by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Could This NEW Collagen Blend Finally Reduce Your Cellulite? Vitauthority Learn More Undo The govt counsel also denied the harassment charges and informed the court that Cyberabad police, which initially received the complaint, subsequently forwarded it to the Economic Offences Wing of CID for probe. "After a preliminary inquiry and noting that the alleged transactions between the complainant and the couple took place in the US and no cognisable offence occurred within CID's jurisdiction, the complaint was closed as "civil in nature," the govt counsel told the high court. Recording submissions from both sides, the court issued directions to the police and disposed of the matter. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
