Tragic Drowning Incident Claims Lives of Four Indian Medical Students in Russia

Four Indian medical students studying in Russia drowned in the Volkhov River near St Petersburg. The Indian embassy issued an advisory for students to be cautious around water bodies. The victims were from Maharashtra, and their bodies are being repatriated. A fifth student was rescued and is receiving medical care.

In a devastating incident, four Indian medical students lost their lives after drowning in the fast-flowing Volkhov River near St Petersburg in Russia, authorities confirmed on Friday. The Indian embassy has since urged students in Russia to exercise caution around water bodies.

The students, all from Maharashtra, included Harshal Anantrao Desale, Jishan Ashpak Pinjari, Jia Firoj Pinjari, and Malik Gulamgous Mohammad Yakub. They were attending Novgorod State University in Veliky Novgorod. A fifth student, Nisha Bhupesh Sonawane, was rescued and is currently receiving medical attention, according to the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi.

Local emergency services have recovered two of the four bodies, while efforts continue to locate the remaining students. Reports indicate the tragic incident occurred as the students attempted to save a friend. The Consulate General of India in St Petersburg and other local authorities are collaborating to expedite the repatriation of the bodies.