Jammu: A student from Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, who was studying MBBS in Russia, has suddenly gone missing. There is chaos in the family due to the news of disappearance of 21 year old Gaurav Singh. There has been no trace of Gaurav, who last called home on December 10, since then. The family is now appealing to the Central Government and the Indian Embassy for help in the hope of their son’s safe return.
The case of Gaurav Singh’s disappearance is not just the missing of a student, but also raises questions on the safety of Indian students studying abroad. The sudden loss of contact and the circumstances that unfolded have further increased the family’s worries.
What is the whole matter?
The missing student has been identified as Gaurav Singh, a resident of Matlot village in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. Gaurav was studying MBBS at Yaroslav-the-Wise Novgorod State University (NOVSU), Russia, for the last four years. He lived in the university hostel with his younger sister.
When was the last time you talked?
According to family members, Gaurav had last called home on December 10. The same day he tried to call his mother. But due to a death in the family the phone could not be received. After this no contact could be made with Gaurav. The family says that Gaurav used to talk at home almost every day or except one day, so the sudden loss of contact seemed unusual.
How and when did he go missing?
According to Gaurav’s father Rashpal Singh, the roommate told that on December 10, at around 5 pm, Gaurav had come out of the hostel in normal clothes. He had left his mobile phone in the room and took only his payment card with him. When he did not return till late night, friends started searching for him, but no information was found. The search continued the next day also.
University and police action
As soon as information about the matter was received, the university administration lodged a report with the local police. The police reached the hostel and took possession of Gaurav’s mobile phone and started investigation. Investigation revealed that Gaurav had traveled in two different buses after leaving the hostel. It has also been confirmed from his payment card that he had purchased some goods from a shop. Police have also collected CCTV footage related to his travel route.
Where was last seen?
According to the information, Gaurav Singh was last seen in a local restaurant in Russia. No clear information has been revealed yet about where he went after this. The family members have contacted Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh through local MLA Kuldeep Raj. After this, talks have also been held with the Indian Embassy in Russia. The family is demanding quick and effective intervention from the central government. The family’s hopes now rest on the administration and the government. The worry is increasing with each passing day, but the family is still holding out hope that their son will be found safely.
