Perwez's death still being probed

The body of Perwez Shahabuddin, a Columbia University professor, was found at a motel not far from his home.

The mysterious death of Perwez Shahabuddin's, a Columbia University professor and son of a former Indian MP, is still being investigated, police say.

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Shahabuddin, who had taught industrial engineering and operations research (IEOR) at Columbia's Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science since 1995, died on November 17. His body was found at a motel not far from his home.

The circumstances of his death are still under investigation, Sgt Baumann of Clarkstown Police Department said.

He said "the body did not go through the Medical Examiner's Office, which is unusual in a case of suspicious death". The Clarkstown Detective Department has not closed the investigation.

Shahabuddin lived with his wife Sophia, daughter Zohad and son Zain in Clarkstown, Rockland County, 40 km north of New York City - within easy drive from Columbia.

Viewing services were held on November 19 afternoon at the Dar-ul-Islam Mosque, New Jersey. A separate memorial service is planned at Columbia University in the spring. The body has been taken to India and buried there.

Shahabuddin had been honoured in 2004 with the annual Great Teacher Award, presented by Society of Columbia Graduates.