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An Indian student lost his life in shelling in Ukraine's Kharkiv on Tuesday, 1 March, confirmed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Twitter.
Manoj Rajan, Commissioner, Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority, told The Quint that he had been identified as Naveen Shekharappa Gyanagoudar, from Haveri district, Karnataka.
Rajan further said that the MEA and the Indian Embassy in Ukraine have confirmed that Naveen had been killed in the shelling.
The 21-year-old was a fourth year student of forensic science at Kharkiv National Medical University.
Shekharappa was standing in a queue at a supermarket in Kharkiv to buy groceries when Russian shelling began taking place.
His mortal remains have been secured in a morgue in Kharkiv.
"Naveen's friends have sent a photo of his body, sending it to MEA to confirm the same... We're in touch with the Indian embassy so that at least the body is secured. Trying everything possible to bring back the body. Family to be compensated," Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
Speaking to the media, Shekharappa Gyanagoudar, the father of the student, requested the government to also look at hefty donations that medical colleges in India demand, forcing Indian students to take admission abroad.
PM Modi, Karnataka CM Speak to Student's Father
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to the father of the student, news agency ANI reported.
A statement from the Karnataka Chief Minister's Office said that CM Bommai has also spoken with Shekharappa's father.
According to the statement, Bommai obtained more details about Naveen and stated that he was with the family at this hour of grief. "It is a big blow. May the almighty bestow eternal peace on Naveen. You must be brave to bear the tragic happening," Bommai said.
"All efforts are on to bring the mortal remains of Naveen to India. Talks are on with officials of the External Affairs Ministry in this regard," Bommai told Naveen's father.
Speaking to the media, CM Bommai said that he also knows family and is very close to them. He said he has requested PMO and MEA to help recover the student's mortal remains.
Meanwhile, the MEA is also in touch with the family.
"The Ministry is in touch with his family. We convey our deepest condolences to the family," MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.
Condolences Pour In
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that he had received the "tragic news" and reiterated that a strategic plan was needed for safe evacuation of Indian nationals in Ukraine.
Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party Chief Arvind Kejriwal extended prayers for the deceased student's family and hoped that other Indians stranded would be able to return home soon.
Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia said he was "deeply hurt by this news."
Charles Michel, President of the European Council said that he had expressed his condolences for the student's death to PM Modi.
'Leave Kyiv Urgently Today': Indian Embassy in Ukraine's New Advisory
The Indian embassy in Ukraine on Tuesday advised Indian citizens to leave the embattled country's capital city Kyiv "urgently today" as the Russian onslaught on Ukraine continued for the sixth day.
"Advisory to Indians in Kyiv: All Indian nationals including students are advised to leave Kyiv urgently today. Preferably by available trains or through any other means available," the embassy in Ukraine tweeted.
The central government is arranging repatriation flights, as part of the ongoing Operation Ganga, for thousands of Indian nationals stranded in war-torn Ukraine.
Around 16,000 Indian nationals, including students, have been trapped in the region since Russian President Vladimir Putin declared war on the country.
As per MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, of these, around 8,000 Indian nationals have left since initial advisories regarding the crisis.
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