Four Indian students drowned in the Volkhov River in Russia. (Representative Image)
Jalgaon, Maharashtra:
Jishan Ashpak Pinjari, one of four Indian students who drowned in Russia’s Volkhov River, was on a video call with his parents when he and the other three drowned in the river, a family member said today.
The four, Harshal Anantrao Desale, Jishan Ashpak Pinjari, Jia Firoj Pinjari and Malik Gulamgous Mohammad Yakub, students at Novgorod’s Yaroslav-the-Wise State University, were strolling along the Volkhov River when they entered the waters, an official said. .
Another student, Nisha Bhupesh Sonawane, survived. She is now under the care of local medical staff, the official said.
Jalgaon district collector Ayush Prasad said preparations were being made to bring the bodies to India.
Jishan and Jia were brothers and hailed from Amalner in Jalgaon district of Maharashtra. Harshal Desale belonged to Bhadgaon, also in Jalgaon district.
“When they entered the Volkhov River, Jishan made a video call to his family. His father and other family members were begging Jishan and others to come out of the river waters when a strong wave swept them away,” a family member told the scene. media.
In a message to the Indian envoy to Russia, the administration of Yaroslav-the-Wise Novgorod State University expressed condolences over the tragedy.
“Students walked near the city beach, on the banks of the Volkhov River, at night, during free study hours. The tragedy was accidental and unexpected. Nisha Bhupesh Sonawane survived. said a university official.
University officials are closely monitoring her condition and doing everything possible to help her, he added.
“The university immediately informed parents and is currently working closely with all respective agencies of the Russian Federation,” he said. The university has requested the Indian envoy for assistance in repatriating the bodies of the students to India, he added.
The students – two boys and two girls aged between 18 and 20 – were studying at the university in the city of Veliky Novgorod.
Russian media reports suggested that a schoolgirl, who walked off the beach into the Volkhov River, got into trouble and four of her companions tried to save her. In an attempt to save her, three other people also drowned in the river, reports said.
The Consulate General of India in St. Petersburg said these students were pursuing medicine at the University.
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