$6,000 reward for information on missing Indian American student

The family of an Indian American student, who went missing Feb 12 in the American state of Illinois, has announced a $6,000 reward for any information about him.

Pravin M. Varughese, a second year student majoring in criminal justice at Southern Illinois University, was last seen about 11 p.m. Feb 12 at a party at West College Street in Carbondale city, the Chicago Tribune reported Sunday.

Phone records show that Varughese called a friend in Chicago city at 12:30 a.m. Feb 13, the missing student's sister Priya Varughese said.

The friend told her it sounded like her brother might have been running or arguing with someone, the sister said.

The SIU teen's Twitter account shows a tweet at 11.06 p.m. Feb 12 that reads: "99% of the time I have no idea whats (sic) going on," and another at 11.17 p.m. that reads: "Bloody knuckles... guess I was in a fight #backdown".

Priya said Pravin was reported missing after he did not return to the off-campus room he shares with his cousin and another roommate the following day.

Family, friends and members of the family's church have made the trip to Carbondale to assist in the search, she said.

The family has put up a $5,000 reward and police have offered another $1,000 reward for information.

The family have also launched an online fundraiser for additional reward money, which can be found through a Facebook page: "MISSING: Pravin Varughese."

"If people have anything to say... come forward," Priya Varughese said. "We just really want him back home and safe."

Anonymous tips can also be sent through the Carbondale police website.

According to police records, the missing man is 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighs 150 pounds and has short brown hair and brown eyes.

Pravin was unshaven when last seen, and wearing a red shirt with dark blue jeans and purple shoes.

He has a "Fear God" tattoo on his chest.