In a devastating turn of events, the bodies of four Indian students who tragically drowned in the Volkhov river in Russia have been recovered, announced Jalgaon district collector Ayush Prasad. Hailing from Maharashtra, the home state of the deceased, the bodies are being repatriated to India for their final rites.
Reports from Russian media shed light on the incident, detailing how a female Indian student encountered trouble while wading in the river, prompting four of her companions to intervene in a bid to save her. Tragically, their valiant efforts ended in further loss as three additional students succumbed to the treacherous waters.
While the bodies of two students were retrieved shortly after the June 4 incident, Russian authorities informed that the remains of the remaining two were discovered the following morning, as confirmed by Prasad during a press briefing.
The deceased have been identified as Harshal Anantrao Desale, Jishan Aspar Pinjari, Jia Firoj Pinjari, and Malik Gulamgous Mohammad Yakub, all aged between 18 and 20. Jishan and Jia were siblings, adding to the profound tragedy of the event.
Nisha Bhupesh Sonawane, the lone survivor from the group, is currently receiving medical care. Recounting the heart-wrenching ordeal, a family member revealed how Jishan had been on a video call with his parents at the time of the incident, highlighting the sheer shock and helplessness witnessed by loved ones from afar.
The Yaroslav-the-Wise Novgorod State University, where the students were enrolled, has conveyed its condolences to the Indian embassy in Russia, expressing solidarity in the wake of this unfathomable loss.
As the nation mourns the untimely demise of these promising young individuals, their families and communities prepare to bid a tearful farewell, grappling with the enormity of their tragic fate on foreign shores.
