Cluster bombing of Kharkiv by Russia, Indian student perusing medical studies killed

Mar. 1: On day 6 of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, one Indian student has tragically been killed in the cluster  bombing of Kharkiv by Russia on Tuesday. “With profound sorrow we confirm that an Indian student lost his life in shelling in Kharkiv this morning. The Ministry is in touch with his family. We convey our deepest condolences to the family,” tweeted the External Affairs Ministry.

The deceased identified as 21-year-old Naveen Shekharappa, a final year medical student from Karnataka’s Haveri, died when Russian soldiers blew up a government building on Tuesday. Naveen Shekharappa was standing in a queue outside a grocery store when he was hit.

Arindam Bagchi on behalf of External Affairs Ministry wrote: “Foreign Secretary is calling in Ambassadors of Russia and Ukraine to reiterate our demand for urgent safe passage for Indian nationals who are still in Kharkiv and cities in other conflict zones. Similar action is also being undertaken by our Ambassadors in Russia and Ukraine.”

Around 16,000 Indian students are still stranded in Ukraine. Many students have shared photos and videos on social media from underground bunkers, metro stations and bomb shelters, where they have been hiding since the Russian attack started last Thursday. Around 9,000 Indian nationals have left by various special flights.