US: FBI joins search for missing Indian-American student

Washington: The FBI has joined a search for 22-year-old Indian-American Sunil Tripathi, an undergraduate Brown University student who went missing on March 16. The police of Providence, Rhode Island, has launched a massive search operation to find Tripathi, while his friends have not only been doing their own search, putting up posters across the city, but also have launched a Facebook page to find him.

Lead investigator detective Mark Sacco said "no solid leads" have been found so far. Tripathi's cellphone, credit card, ID and other personal things were found in his room. FBI declined to comment on the investigation, except for saying that it is assisting the local police in search of the missing student.

According to the Facebook Page set up by family, Tripathi who went missing from his Angell Street residence since Saturday morning is 6'0, 130 pounds, with brown eyes and short brown hair. He left wearing blue jeans, a Philadelphia Eagles beanie, and a black sweatshirt. He is essentially off the grid since he does not have his ID, wallet, or cell phone.

"Sunil has been struggling with depression since he took a leave of absence from Brown last year. A note suggestive of suicidal intent left behind in his apartment has his family extremely worried," the family said, adding that they are currently in Providence, helping the police search for him.

"Sunil is a kind, gentle, and shy young man. All we want is for him to return safe and well," the family said. Tripathi, a philosophy major, was on approved leave from the University. Early on March 17, Brown's Department of Public Safety received a report of a missing person.

"The missing person report is being handled by the Providence Police Department with the full cooperation of Brown police officers and University staff. The Office of Student Life has been in touch with Sunil's family, and our concerns are first and foremost with Sunil and his family.

"Any further questions about the investigation would need to be directed to Providence Police," the university said in a statement.