Indian student killed in Ukraine: PM Modi speaks to father of deceased, chairs another high-level meeting

Russian soldiers blew up a government building in Kharkiv on March 1, 2022 morning. Naveen Shekharappa, a medical student from Karnataka's Haveri was standing outside a grocery store when he was hit by the shelling. He died.

New Delhi: Naveen Shekharappa, a medical student from Karnataka's Haveri died when Russian soldiers blew up a government building in Kharkiv this morning. Naveen was standing outside a grocery store when he was hit. The death of the 21-year-old has left his family, friends, and the whole of India heartbroken. 

While politicians offered their condolences, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Naveen's father. The PM offered his condolences and a video show's the deceased student's father acknowledging the call. Modi is also chairing another high-level meeting on the Ukraine crisis.

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said they are trying their best to recover Naveen's body and bring it back to India. "I know his family. They are very close to me. PM had spoken to the family. We will try our best to recover the body and bring it back to India. I have requested PMO and MEA to help us to recover mortals."

Father of Indian student Naveen Gyangoudar breaks down over the death of his son who lost his life in shelling in the war-hit Ukraine (Pic: ANI)

Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also condoled the death of the student and prayed for the safety of Indians stranded there.  "Feel terrible to hear this news. Prayers for his family. Pray for the safety of all other Indians stranded and hope they will be back home soon. Hope the conflict will soon come to an end," Kejriwal tweeted.

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."

Security experts in India have asked Indian nationals in war-hit areas of Ukraine to leave for safer places after an Indian student lost his life in shelling in Kharkiv city on Tuesday. They call the incident unfortunate collateral damage in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis. Major General (Retd) KK Sinha said, "The thing is that you have been told not to come out. He might have gone to the Kharkiv supermarket there. He must have gone to buy some food. There are many kinds of casualties. Collateral damage is always there."

News of the student`s death came within an hour of the Indian embassy in Ukraine asking its citizens to urgently leave the capital Kyiv. "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 (sic)," a statement from the embassy read. Security experts are advising students on various options to protect themselves."If they can't leave it is better to go to some place which is midway, in my judgment in the rural areas. They will give the shelter. There are churches, not the Roman Catholic Churches but there are Churches," said Sinha.