Indian student killed in Ukraine: K'taka Congress demands refund of academic fee, compensation from state govt

Karnataka Congress demanded a complete refund of academic fees and separate compensation for the family of Naveen, the Indian student who was killed in Ukraine's Kharkiv.

The Karnataka Congress has urged the state government to return the academic fees paid by Naveen, the Indian student, who was killed in Ukraine's Kharkiv. Congress also demanded separate compensation from the state for Naveen's family.

Naveen Shekarappa Gyanagoudar, a fourth-year medical student at the Kharkiv National Medical University, was killed in intense shelling in Kharkiv. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 1 offered his condolences to Naveen's family. Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai also visited Naveens' family in Haveri district to offer condolences.

Congress also accused the Centre of being responsible for Naveens' death and alleged that the evacuation process was not fast enough as over 15,000 students are in Ukraine awaiting help.

READ | Naveen forced to go abroad as he couldn't find a medical seat in India, says father

Congress MLA Priyank Kharge said, "It's a clear intelligence failure. The advisory was misleading. When others said all should return, India said it is advised to return."

Meanwhile, Congress leader Ajay Singh also hit out at Centre saying tickets on initial flights operated by Air India were costing Rs 75,000 and said how can a student afford so much money. Even during a war, the government was trying to make money, he alleged.

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