In a heartbreaking incident near St Petersburg, Russia, four Indian medical students tragically drowned while trying to save their friend from the treacherous waters of the Volkhov River. The students, who were studying at Yaroslav-the-Wise Novgorod State University, had been taking an evening walk along the river when the accident occurred.
Victims and Survivor
The deceased have been identified as Harshal Anantrao Desale, Jishan Ashpak Pinjari, Jia Firoj Pinjari, and Malik Gulamgous Mohammad Yakub. Another student, Nisha Bhupesh Sonawane, also fell into the river but was rescued and is currently receiving medical treatment.
The victims, aged between 18-20 years, hailed from the Jalgaon district in Maharashtra, India. Siblings Jishan and Jia were on a video call with their parents when the tragedy struck. Despite their family’s desperate pleas to return to shore, the strong currents swept them away.
Sequence of Events
According to local reports, the group was taking a walk near the city’s beach along the Volkhov River in Veliky Novgorod. Nisha Bhupesh Sonawane waded into the river and soon found herself in distress. Her four companions bravely attempted to rescue her, but three of them drowned in the process.
Efforts to Repatriate the Bodies
The Indian Embassy in Russia and the Consulate in St Petersburg are working diligently with local authorities to recover the bodies and repatriate them to India. The Consulate General has assured the bereaved families of all possible assistance and is in close contact with the university and local officials.
“We are working to send the bodies to the relatives as soon as possible,” the Indian Embassy said in a statement. “Proper treatment is also being provided to the student whose life was saved.”
Death of Indian students in Veliky Novgorod, Russia:https://t.co/3SrFMUUHLx pic.twitter.com/R5aWT7ueo4
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) June 7, 2024
Official Statements and Support
Jalgaon District Collector Ayush Prasad confirmed the tragic news and highlighted the coordinated efforts to bring the bodies home. “We have contacted the embassy in Russia and the consular general in St Petersburg. They have been very supportive to the family, and we’ve been coordinating with the judicial, police, and disaster management authorities,” Prasad stated.
The university officials have also expressed their condolences and are providing all necessary support to Nisha Sonawane, who is under medical supervision. “The university informed the parents immediately and is currently working closely with all respective agencies in the Russian Federation,” a university official said.
Indian Students in Russia
Russia has become a popular destination for Indian students pursuing medical degrees due to its long history of excellence in medical education, rigorous programs, and practical training. The lower tuition fees and living expenses compared to private Indian colleges or other countries make Russia an attractive option. Additionally, some universities in Russia do not require the NEET entrance exam, a significant hurdle for many Indian students.
Degrees from accredited Russian medical universities are recognized globally, allowing graduates to practice medicine in many countries after passing licensing exams.
The tragic drowning of the four Indian medical students is a somber reminder of the potential dangers that can arise unexpectedly. The efforts of the Indian Embassy and the Consulate in St Petersburg to repatriate the bodies demonstrate the support and solidarity extended to the bereaved families during this difficult time. The medical community and fellow students mourn the loss of these promising young lives, and the survivor, Nisha Bhupesh Sonawane, continues to receive care and support as she recovers from this traumatic experience.
