For over a week, fourth-year computer science student Ahmad
Arain has remained missing, leaving police officials at a loss as
to the whereabouts of the 20-year-old Anaheim resident while loved
ones become increasingly anxious as the chances of his safe return
slim with each day that passes.
Arain has been missing since July 23, when he left his Anaheim
home bound for UCLA at 8:30 a.m. on an MTA bus. He was last heard
from at 10 a.m. that day when he had a conversation with his mother
on his cell phone.
University police confirmed last week that Arain had boarded the
Anaheim bus and later exited at the Imperial/Wilmington Rosa Parks
bus station in Watts. There is no confirmation that Arain boarded a
bus to UCLA.
Arain’s family announced in a press conference last week
that they are offering a $10,000 cash reward for information
leading to the safe return of Arain.
Family members and volunteers took the same route that Arain
reportedly took on the day he disappeared, distributing fliers and
searching shelters last week.
Officials of UCPD ““ the primary investigators for
Arain’s case ““ say they are dedicating numerous
resources in the search for Arain.
Two full-time officers have been assigned to the case along with
more support staff, said Nancy Greenstein, director of police
community services.
Greenstein also said UCPD has been getting a number of tips from
the community ““ “some substantial and some
strange.”
The lack of any promising leads in the case have Arain’s
family and friends a little skeptical about the UCPD’s
effort, but mostly frustrated by the whole situation.
“They say they are working hard,” said Arain’s
brother, Sulayman Arain. “(But) it’s hard to say, it
seems like they are trying hard. Nothing has come of it, so
it’s a little frustrating.”
Arain’s friend and roommate Rizwan Haque said he is trying
to stay positive in this difficult time.
“We are obviously really hoping for the best but we are
really worried because we haven’t heard a thing about what
happened,” he said, adding that with each day it gets
worse.
Sulayman said the family may hold another press conference later
in the week.
Contact UCPD at (310) 825-1491 with any information
regarding Arain’s whereabouts.