Four Indian students were among at least six people injured in a knife attack at a university dormitory in Russia’s Bashkortostan Republic on Saturday, an incident that has raised serious concerns over student safety and prompted a high-level investigation by local authorities.
The attack took place at the dormitory of the State Medical University in Ufa, the capital of the Bashkortostan Republic, located about 1,200 kilometres east of Moscow. According to preliminary information shared by Russia’s Interior Ministry, a 15-year-old youth armed with a knife entered the dormitory and began attacking students living there.
Interior Ministry officials said the attacker stabbed several students before police reached the spot. During the arrest, the suspect reportedly resisted and injured two police officers. Authorities also confirmed that the attacker inflicted injuries on himself and was later taken to a hospital.
The Indian Embassy in Russia termed the incident unfortunate and confirmed that four Indian nationals were injured in the attack. The embassy said it is in close coordination with Russian authorities and that officials from the Indian Consulate in Kazan are travelling to Ufa to provide assistance and support to the injured students.
Medical officials said that four injured individuals are currently receiving treatment. One of them is reported to be in serious condition, while the remaining victims are stable and undergoing treatment for moderate injuries. The attacker has also been admitted to a local children’s hospital and is said to be in serious condition.
The incident took a disturbing turn after images circulated on social media showing a Swastika symbol drawn on a wall inside the dormitory, allegedly using the blood of the victims. The Baza Telegram channel claimed that the attacker was linked to a banned neo-Nazi organisation and that he shouted extremist slogans during the attack. These claims have not yet been officially confirmed by Russian authorities.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and chaos inside the dormitory, with blood visible in several areas. Television footage showed injured students being rushed to hospitals in ambulance vehicles as emergency services worked to control the situation.
Authorities in Ufa have launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the motive behind the attack, examine the attacker’s background, and assess any possible extremist connections. The incident has renewed concerns about campus security and the safety of international students studying in Russia.
Indian officials said they are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to engage with Russian authorities as more details emerge from the ongoing investigation.