21-year-old Karnataka student India's first casualty in Ukraine-Russia war, 'he had gone out to buy groceries'

Naveen Shekarappa Gyanagoudar, a native of Chalageri in Haveri district, died in the shelling. External Affairs Ministry confirmed the death of the Indian in a tweet.

Pic courtesy: Reuters

Kharkiv (Ukraine): In a deeply shocking news for India, a 21-year-old student originally from Karnataka, was killed in Kharkiv shelling as Russia-Ukraine war entered the sixth day. 

The student was a native of Karnataka's Haveri district, a state government official said. "A student Naveen Shekarappa Gyanagoudar, a native of Chalageri in Haveri district, died in the shelling," Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority Commissioner Manoj Rajan. Reports say that Naveen had spoken to his family a couple of days back and had told them over video call that he has been staying in a bunker and was safe. But the youngster went out today (March 1, 2022) morning to buy groceries when he fell prey to the attack. 

External Affairs Ministry confirmed the death of the Indian in a tweet. "With profound sorrow we confirm that an Indian student lost his life in shelling in Kharkiv this morning," it said. The ministry said it is in touch with the family of the student. The MEA said Foreign Secretary is calling in ambassadors of Russia and Ukraine to reiterate its demand for "urgent safe passage" to Indian nationals who are still in Kharkiv and in other cities conflict zones. "Similar action is also being undertaken by our ambassadors in Russia and Ukraine," the MEA said.

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai spoke with the boy's father. "All efforts will be made to bring back Naveen's body to India. The CM said that the matter is being negotiated with foreign ministry officials," the Karnataka CMO informed.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted, "Received the tragic news of an Indian student Naveen losing his life in Ukraine. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. I reiterate, GOI needs a strategic plan for safe evacuation. Every minute is precious."

Received the tragic news of an Indian student Naveen losing his life in Ukraine.

My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

I reiterate, GOI needs a strategic plan for safe evacuation.

Every minute is precious. — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 1, 2022

The Kharkiv city is witnessing increasing fighting between the Ukrainian troops and Russian forces. Official sources said the deteriorating situation in Kharkiv is a matter of grave concern and that the safety and security of Indian nationals in that city is of utmost priority for the government. They said India has already taken up up with the Russian and Ukrainian embassies the "pressing" requirement of safe passage to Indian nationals, including students, from Kharkiv and other cities in conflict zones.

(With Agency inputs)