A student has been killed in a bombing in Ukraine, as Russia attacked the Freedom Square and opera house in Kharkiv today (1 March).
The 21-year-old, identified as Naveen Shekharappa Gyanagoudar, from Chalageri in Haveri, India, is one of the victims from the missile strike.
An opera house, concert hall and government offices were hit in Freedom Square in the centre of the north-eastern city.
At least 20 people including a child were injured, with authorities still trying to confirm the death toll.
The student – who is believed to have been a fourth-year medical student at the Kharkiv National Medical University – was filmed video calling his father and a relative a few days before his death.
In the clip, his father can be seen in a blue T-shirt as he chats to Naveen on the phone, which is held by another family member.
It is believed to be the last time they spoke.
Local reports say Naveen was heading towards a railway station from his apartment when the attack occurred.
His death was confirmed by Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs in India, who said: “With profound sorrow we confirm that an Indian student lost his life in shelling in Kharkiv this morning.
“The Ministry is in touch with his family. We convey our deepest condolences to the family.
“Foreign Secretary is calling in Ambassadors of Russia and Ukraine to reiterate our demand for urgent safe passage for Indian nationals who are still in Kharkiv and cities in other conflict zones.
“Similar action is also being undertaken by our Ambassadors in Russia and Ukraine.”
