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Two doctoral students from the University of South Florida (USF) have been missing since mid-April in Tampa, in a case that has raised increasing concern among authorities and the academic community due to the lack of clear clues regarding their whereabouts.
Zamil Limon and Nahida S. Bristy, both 27 years old and originally from Bangladesh, were last seen just an hour apart.
Since then, they have not had contact with family members or colleagues, which has triggered a joint search operation between the university police and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
According to local media reports, Limon was last seen around 9:00 a.m. on April 16 at his residence hall on Avalon Heights Boulevard, while Bristy was spotted near the Natural and Environmental Sciences building on campus at around 10:00 a.m.
A family friend reported the disappearance of both young people on April 17, after failing to make contact with them. This led to the initiation of investigations and their inclusion in state and national databases of missing persons.
Without clear clues or evidence of a crime
Authorities have confirmed that there is no evidence that the students are in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which was an initial concern among their families.
There have also been no indications of violence, previous threats, or personal or academic conflicts that could explain what happened.
"It is not typical of their behavior; they are graduate students," declared Larry McKinnon, public information officer for Public Safety at USF.
"For the moment, we have no information indicating that any crime has occurred or that it is something suspicious," he added.
However, the fact that both phones are off and there has been no activity on social media or banking transactions since the day of their disappearance increases the uncertainty surrounding the case.
Close relationship and simultaneous disappearance
Researchers indicate that Limon and Bristy were close friends and may have had a romantic relationship.
"It is believed that they are together", police sources indicated, although there is no conclusive evidence regarding their whereabouts.
Both young individuals stood out for their academic dedication.
Limon is pursuing a doctorate in geography, environmental sciences, and public policy, while Bristy is studying chemical engineering.
According to their families, it is unusual for them to miss classes or to remain out of communication for several days.
"He is a very responsible and punctual person, and that's why the situation is so unpredictable and unusual for us... and very suspicious," stated Zubaer Ahmed, Limon's younger brother.
The relative also revealed that both students had talked about a possible future together.
"We are suffering greatly and going through a devastating situation," she expressed.
Urgent call to the citizens
In light of the lack of progress, authorities have requested the public's assistance in obtaining any information that may help clarify what happened.
“When we reach a point where we can't locate them, our best option is the public,” McKinnon noted. “That's where we are.”
Authorities insist that anyone with information should contact the University of South Florida Police Department at (813) 974-2628.
"We all hope for a positive outcome. That’s why we take this very seriously and ensure that we leave no stone unturned in our efforts to find a solution," McKinnon concluded.
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