In a tragic development, Ajit Singh Chaudhary, a 22-year-old MBBS student from Alwar, Rajasthan, who had been studying at Bashkir State Medical University in Ufa, Russia, was reportedly found dead nearly three weeks after he went missing.
According to reports, Ajit was last seen on October 19, when he left his university hostel, telling his roommates he was stepping out briefly to buy milk. He, however, never returned.
His sudden disappearance set off an anxious search operation involving his friends, university authorities, the Indian Embassy in Moscow, and local Russian law enforcement agencies. Posters with Ajit’s photograph circulated widely on social media, while his distraught family in Alwar made repeated appeals to both Indian and Russian authorities to intensify search efforts.
After 19 days of exhaustive search, Ajit’s body was discovered near a dam adjoining the White River, close to Ufa city. Local police confirmed that his personal belongings, including his phone and backpack, had earlier been recovered from a riverbank, further deepening the mystery surrounding his disappearance. The area where the body was found has since been cordoned off as forensic teams conduct detailed examinations.
Disappearance and Search Efforts
Ajit Singh Chaudhary vanished after stepping out from his hostel around 11 am on October 19, telling friends he would return shortly after buying milk. His mobile phone, jacket, and shoes were found near the riverbank, suggesting he might have been swept away by the White River’s currents swollen by seasonal rains.
Local authorities, aided by the Indian Embassy in Moscow and family members, conducted exhaustive searches. Fellow students at Bashkir State Medical University identified his body once recovered from the dam, bringing anguish yet closure to his loved ones.
Family and Community Response
The Chaudhary family, who sold agricultural land to fund Ajit’s medical studies, expressed profound grief and shock over his suspicious death far from home. Local leaders and community members in Alwar have called for a swift repatriation and a transparent investigation into his demise.
Political leaders like former Union Minister Jitendra Singh Alwar highlighted concerns over the circumstances, urging External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to expedite processes and ensure justice for the family. The All India Medical Students’ Association has also sought intervention to bring clarity and enhance safety measures for Indian students abroad.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This tragic incident highlights the vulnerability of international students and the profound distress caused to families losing loved ones far from home.
The Logical Indian urges a compassionate, transparent approach to addressing such tragedies and extended support to affected families. More than sorrow, it invites reflection on safeguarding students’ welfare globally and strengthening institutional responsibilities.
