"some locals received the call and started crying."
The Ministry of External Affairs has said that an Indian student has been killed in shelling in Ukraine’s Kharkiv.
Much of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is happening in Kharkiv, with missile strikes taking place.
Civilians have been killed and it has now been confirmed that an Indian student named Naveen Shekharappa was among the victims.
In a tweet, the ministry 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.”
The 21-year-old, originally from Karnataka’s Haveri, was studying medicine at Kharkiv National Medical University.
Amid the ongoing war, Naveen had moved to an underground bunker for safety.
He had been in a queue to buy food when a missile strike happened and was killed by the resulting shelling.
Prior to going out for food, Naveen spoke to his father, telling him that around 20 students have been evacuated.
He and his friends were waiting to be evacuated.
His friend Srikanth said: “Nine of us (students) were in the bunker.
“After the night curfew ended, he left the bunker after 6:30 am to buy some food.
“He had called me around 7:58 am and asked me to transfer some money to his card.
“When I called his number, some locals received the call and started crying. They informed us that Naveen had died.
“The authorities have asked us to try and reach the western side by train.
“The train station is 7-8km away from our bunker. The cabs are very expensive. We are scared to go.
“Some people have ventured out and taken the train.”
Student coordinator Pooja Praharaj said:
“He lived near the Governor’s House and had been standing in the queue for food.”
“Suddenly there was an airstrike that blew up the Governor’s House and he was killed.”
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai called Naveen’s parents and assured them that the government will do everything they can to bring his body to India.
Meanwhile, a number of Indians are still stranded in Kharkiv where Russia has launched a major military offensive.
The MEA said the foreign secretary is calling in ambassadors of Russia and Ukraine to reiterate India’s demand for “urgent safe passage” to Indian nationals who are still in Kharkiv and other cities in conflict zones.
The MEA said: “Similar action is also being undertaken by our ambassadors in Russia and Ukraine.”
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