Body of Missing Indian Student Discovered in Russia After 19 Days

Post by : Raina Nasser

A tragic event has unfolded as the body of a 22-year-old Indian student from Alwar district in Rajasthan, who had been missing for nearly 19 days in Russia, has been discovered. The individual, identified as Ajit Singh Chaudhary, was studying at Bashkir State Medical University in Ufa, pursuing an MBBS degree.

Reports state that Ajit vanished on October 19 after he left his hostel around 11 a.m. to buy milk. His absence prompted a search initiated by friends and the Indian student community in Ufa, alongside local authorities, to locate him.

After an intensive search lasting 19 days, his body was eventually located in a dam next to the White River on Thursday. This shocking discovery has left his family in grief and raised urgent calls for a comprehensive inquiry into the details surrounding his untimely death.

Local officials affirmed that Ajit’s personal belongings, including his clothing, shoes, and mobile phone, were found in proximity to the riverbank soon after his disappearance. This discovery has led to growing suspicions regarding potential foul play, although an official cause of death has not yet been determined.

Former Union Minister Jitendra Singh Alwar expressed sorrow over the incident, labeling it a "deeply tragic and suspicious case." He has urged External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to ensure a prompt investigation and facilitate the process of repatriating Ajit’s remains back to India.

“Ajit was an exemplary and diligent student, and his family made significant sacrifices for his education abroad. The finding of his body is devastating for the entire community,” Singh conveyed in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The All India Medical Students’ Association (Foreign Wing) is also involved, confirming that Ajit’s friends identified his body. However, the university administration has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.

Ajit’s family in Rajasthan is heartbroken, currently awaiting official word on when his body will be transported back home. The Indian Embassy in Moscow has been notified and is anticipated to assist with the repatriation process.

This unfortunate event underscores the rising safety concerns faced by Indian students studying abroad, especially in less accessible areas.