In a tragic incident near St. Petersburg, four Indian students drowned in the river Volkhov, the Indian mission in Russia reported on Friday. Efforts are underway to repatriate their bodies to their families in India as swiftly as possible.I

The students, two boys and two girls aged between 18 and 20, were enrolled at Novgorod State University in Veliky Novgorod city. According to Russian media reports, the tragedy unfolded when a female student ventured into the river and encountered difficulties. Four companions attempted to rescue her, leading to three additional drownings. Local residents managed to save a third boy.

“We are working to send the bodies to the relatives as soon as possible. Proper treatment is also being provided to the student whose life has been saved,” the Indian mission stated. “Proper medical, including psychological treatment, is being provided to the girl student who was saved. These students were pursuing medical education at Veliky Novgorod State University. Sincere condolences to the bereaved families,” the mission wrote on X.

The Consulate General of India in St. Petersburg confirmed the students’ enrollment at Veliky Novgorod State University and expressed condolences to their families. The consulate assured that they were collaborating with local authorities to expedite the process of returning the bodies to India. “The bereaved families have been contacted and assured of all possible help,” they posted on X.

Ayush Prasad, the District Collector of Jalgaon, conveyed that communication with the embassy in Russia and the Consulate General in St. Petersburg had been supportive. “They have been very supportive to the family and we’ve been coordinating with the judicial as well as the police and disaster management authorities. Best medical care is being provided to the student whose life has been saved. We are hoping that the bodies will be sent back to India as per the international protocol,” he told ANI.