A 22-year-old Indian-origin student at the University of Texas at Dallas has been arrested in Texas following a distressing incident at his family home, which police say may be linked to a mental health episode.

According to local reports, Manojh Lella was taken into custody on Monday after family members contacted police, saying they were frightened by his behaviour and alleged threats.

Family raises alarm over alleged threats

Law enforcement officials said officers were called to Lella’s residence after relatives reported that he had threatened to harm them. US media outlet Fox4News reported that the family also told police Lella had attempted to set the house on fire a few days earlier.

The incident was described by authorities as possibly stemming from a mental health crisis, though investigations are still ongoing.

Serious charges filed, probe continues

Manojh Lella has been booked into the Collin County Jail on charges of making a terroristic threat against a family or household member and arson with intent to damage a habitation or place of worship.

Police clarified that while the arson charge includes language related to places of worship, there is currently no evidence to suggest that any religious site was targeted or threatened in this case.

His bond has been set at $100,000 for the arson charge and $3,500 for the misdemeanor terroristic threat charge. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether Lella has legal representation.

Student profile and background

Lella’s public LinkedIn profile indicates that he is a senior student at the University of Texas at Dallas, pursuing a degree in Information Technology. In his bio, he describes himself as a driven and passionate student with skills in programming, data analysis, Tableau and Power BI.

“I’m a driven and passionate senior at the University of Texas at Dallas, pursuing a degree in Information Technology,” his profile reads, highlighting coursework, projects and hands-on experience in the tech field.

Mental health concerns in focus

Local reports suggest the situation is being viewed through the lens of a possible mental health episode, though officials have not released further medical or psychological details. The case has once again drawn attention to the pressures faced by international and Indian-origin students abroad, particularly around mental health support and family stress.

Police have stated that the investigation is ongoing and further details will be released as the case progresses.