07 Jun 2024 05:06PM IST Image | Photo: Mathrubhumi
NEW DELHI: Four Indian students studying at a university in Russia's Novgorod region have drowned in the Volkhov river, the Russian foreign ministry said on Friday.
A fifth Indian student was rescued from drowning and is currently undergoing treatment, but two other students remain missing and searches are on.
Local rescue services have so far recovered two bodies from the Volkhov River.
“Four Indian students studying at Yaroslav the Wise Novgorod State University in Novgorod, Russia, have drowned in an unfortunate accident in the Volkhov River,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.
The four students have been identified as Harshal Anantrao Desale, Jishan Ashpak Pinjari, Zia Firoj Pinjari and Malik Ghulamgos Mohammad Yakub, all from Maharashtra. The name of the rescued student is Nisha Bhupesh Sonawane.
The foreign ministry said the Indian Consulate in St Petersburg remains in contact with the university and local authorities and is providing all possible assistance.
“Local rescue teams have so far recovered two bodies from the Volkhov River. We offer our condolences to the families,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.
The search for the remaining two missing students is continuing.
“The five students involved in the accident are from Jalgaon district of Maharashtra. Our consulate in St Petersburg is coordinating with local authorities for the repatriation of the bodies,” the ministry said.
The Indian Consulate said it was in contact with the family members and district administration in Jalgaon, Maharashtra.
The Indian consulate in St. Petersburg said it was working with Novgorod city authorities to send the bodies to their families as soon as possible.
“The family has been contacted and all possible assistance has been assured,” X said.
The rescued girls are being provided with appropriate medical care, including psychological treatment.
“These students were undergoing medical education at Novgorod State University. We offer our deepest condolences to the bereaved families,” PTI reported.
