Jishan Ashpak Pinjari, one of the four Indian students tragically lost in the Volkhov river in Russia, was in communication with his parents via video call when the incident occurred, a family member disclosed today.
The group, comprising Harshal Anantrao Desale, Jishan Ashpak Pinjari, Jia Firoj Pinjari, and Malik Gulamgous Mohammad Yakub, students of Yaroslav-the-Wise Novgorod State University, were strolling along the banks of the Volkhov river when they inadvertently entered the water, according to an official statement.
Fortunately, Nisha Bhupesh Sonawane survived and is currently receiving medical attention, as confirmed by officials.
Efforts are underway, supervised by Jalgaon district collector Ayush Prasad, to repatriate the deceased back to India.
Jishan and Jia were siblings from Amalner in Maharashtra’s Jalgaon district, while Harshal Desale hailed from Bhadgaon, also in Jalgaon district.
Describing the heartbreaking incident, a family member revealed that Jishan initiated the video call as they entered the river, with his father and other relatives desperately urging them to retreat, but they were swept away by a powerful wave.
Expressing their condolences, the administration of Yaroslav-the-Wise Novgorod State University reached out to the Indian envoy to Russia.
The university’s spokesperson highlighted the students’ leisurely walk by the Volkhov river during their free time and emphasized that the tragic events were entirely unforeseen and accidental. They assured that Nisha Bhupesh Sonawane’s condition is being closely monitored, with every possible support being extended to her.
The university promptly informed the parents and is coordinating with relevant authorities in Russia for assistance. They have also sought the Indian envoy’s aid in repatriating the students’ remains.
These students, aged between 18 and 20, were pursuing medical studies at the university in Veliky Novgorod city, as confirmed by the Consulate General of India in St Petersburg. Russian media reports suggested that the incident unfolded as one female student encountered difficulties in the river, prompting her companions to intervene, leading to the tragic outcome.