Syeda Zaidi, the Hyderabadi Woman Found Starving in Chicago Rejects Assistance to Return Home

Hyderabad: Syeda Zaidi, a woman originally from Hyderabad, was discovered homeless on the streets of Chicago. Despite efforts by the Indian Embassy in Chicago, responding to her family’s plea, Zaidi has persistently declined assistance to return to India.

On September 11, the Indian Embassy in Chicago stated, “We have repeatedly offered all support to Syeda Zaidi for her return to India. She is yet to respond positively.” This response came after a letter from Mohammed Rahim Khan, the president of Act Public Welfare Foundation in Hyderabad, who sought help for Zaidi through social media.

Syeda Lulu Minhaj Zaidi initially came to the US to pursue a master’s degree at Trine University in Detroit.

On July 22, MBT leader and social worker Amjed Ullah Khan brought Zaidi’s situation in Chicago to the attention of the MEA. Two individuals from Hyderabad found her on the streets in Chicago and, upon inquiry, she provided her name and mentioned her origins in Hyderabad. Despite efforts, including a video call with her mother Syeda Wahaj Fatima in Hyderabad, Zaidi displayed reluctance to return to India.

It was evident that Zaidi was facing mental distress, and she declined assistance from both social workers and authorities. Khan mentioned that Zaidi’s mother and aunt in Hyderabad had applied for a US visa to travel to Chicago and meet with her.