In a heartbreaking turn of events, four Indian medical students lost their lives in a drowning incident near St. Petersburg, Russia. The incident, which occurred recently, has sent shockwaves through both the Indian and international communities, prompting an outpouring of grief and condolences.
The four students, all pursuing medical degrees in Russia, were identified as Harshal Anantrao Desale, Jishan Ashpak Pinjari, Jia Firoj Pinjari, and Malik Gulamgous Mohammad Yakub. They were reported to have ventured into a nearby lake for recreational purposes when the tragedy unfolded. Despite efforts to rescue them, local authorities confirmed their unfortunate demise.
A university official, as quoted by PTI, stated that the students were enjoying a stroll near the city’s beach along the Volkhov River during their free time in the evening. The tragic incident, described as accidental and unforeseen, has left the university community in shock and sorrow.
Jishan and Jia, who were siblings, originated from Amalner in Maharashtra’s Jalgaon district. Harshal Desale hailed from Bhadgaon, also within the Jalgaon district. As per a PTI report, a family member revealed that Jishan initiated a video call when the group ventured into the river. His father and other relatives implored Jishan and the others to exit the river, but unfortunately, they were swept away by the strong current. Fortunately, residents managed to rescue a woman from the water.
The university official assured that they are closely monitoring her condition and are committed to providing all possible assistance. “Immediate notification was given to the parents, and we are actively collaborating with relevant authorities in the Russian Federation,” the official stated. Additionally, the university has reached out to the Indian embassy to facilitate the repatriation of the students’ remains to India.
The Consulate General affirmed their collaboration with local authorities in Veliky Novgorod to expedite the process of sending the mortal remains to the respective families. “We have reached out to the grieving families and assured them of our unwavering support,” stated the Consulate General.
Jalgaon district collector, Ayush Prasad, informed us that arrangements are underway to bring the bodies back to India. He expressed gratitude for the support received from the embassy in Russia and the Consulate General in St. Petersburg. “We are in close coordination with judicial, police, and disaster management authorities. The student who survived is receiving the best medical care. We are optimistic that the bodies will be repatriated to India by international protocols,” Prasad affirmed.
According to local media sources, the tragic incident unfolded when one of the female Indian students encountered difficulty while wading into the river Volkhov from the beach, prompting her four companions to attempt a rescue.
The news of the incident has deeply saddened families, friends, and well-wishers, who are grappling with the sudden loss of their loved ones. Expressions of sympathy and solidarity have flooded social media platforms, with many sharing fond memories and tributes to the departed souls.
The Indian government, through its diplomatic channels, has been in touch with the authorities in Russia to coordinate assistance and support for the affected families. Efforts are underway to ensure the swift repatriation of the students’ remains to their homeland, where they will be laid to rest following their respective religious customs.
While the exact circumstances leading to the tragedy are still under investigation, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of safety measures, especially when engaging in recreational activities near bodies of water. Authorities in both India and Russia have urged citizens, particularly students studying abroad, to exercise caution and adhere to local regulations to prevent similar mishaps.
The incident has also reignited discussions about the challenges faced by Indian students pursuing education abroad, particularly in countries like Russia, which hosts a significant number of Indian students. Concerns about safety, cultural adaptation, and support systems for international students have once again come to the forefront, prompting calls for enhanced measures to address these issues.
As investigations continue, authorities are emphasizing the need for cooperation and vigilance to prevent such tragedies in the future. Educational institutions, both in India and abroad, are urged to prioritize the safety and well-being of their students and provide adequate guidance and support to ensure their welfare.
